[Old and new materials in the hip prosthesis]

Since the second half of the XX century a steady evolution of hip prosthesis design is taking place. Implant shape, fixation systems and materials are constantly evolving. The paper presents the materials combinations most commonly used in hip prosthesis (metal-metal, metal-polyethylene and ceramic). All the above mentioned materials have been in used for over 25 years, and thanks to minor modification and better quality are widely used all over the world. The authors basing on biochemical studies, clinical observations and personal experience present problems related to materials used in hip prosthesis.