[The history of Metasul]

The first generation, metal-on-metal articulation from cobalt-chromium-molybdenum alloy produced by Sulzer Ltd. has been in use for 40 years. Former drawbacks concerning geometry, tolerance or metallurgy have been eliminated in the second generation METASUL components used since 1988. These are also free of disadvantages, such as potential fracture, shown by other hard-on-hard bearing couples. For 14 years now METASUL components have not been responsible for any repeat operation due to loosening. Both clinical and experimental outcomes show that yearly wear has been negligible (in the order of microns) and this allows us to expect the metal-on-metal coupling to function for periods not a achieved so far by any other hip prosthesis. Hip replacements based on METASUL are better than those involving metal-on-polyethylene or ceramic-on-polyethylene. Up to now the need for repeat operations has not been associated with the MATASUL coupling system. Loosening has always been due to other reasons. It can therefore be expected that, in choosing prosthetic devices and surgical techniques, METASUL hip replacements will play a leading role.