Ceramic bearing surfaces in total artificial joints: Resistance to third body wear damage from bone cement particles

Abstract

Studies of explanted Charnley hip pros theses have shown damage or scratching of the polished stainless steel femoral heads. This surface damage is probably due to third body wear by bone cement particles. Damaged femoral heads will produce increased wear rates of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) acetabular cups. Sliding wear tests carried out in the laboratory have shown that alumina ceramic counter faces are more resistant to third body damage from bone cement particles than stainless steel counter faces. The use of the ceramic femoral heads in artificial hip joints will help to preserve the smooth Surface finish on the femoral bearing surface, which is necessary to ensure low wear rates of the UHMWPE cup throughout the lifetime of the prosthesis.