[Fracture load of ceramic ball heads of hip joint prostheses]

To ensure the stability of ceramic ball heads of hip joint prostheses over the long term, both standards for the material and FDA-regulations for the components have been established. In this paper the philosophy underlying design and reliability is discussed. On the basis of fracture loads determined for Biolox ball heads the high level of stability and reliability that has been achieved and can now be guaranteed, is demonstrated.