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Updated: Aug 12, 2026
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Potentiodynamic Corrosion Testing
Published on: September 4, 2016
[Implant fractures in ceramic hip endoprostheses]
Zeitschrift Fur Orthopadie Und Ihre Grenzgebiete
|September 1, 1987
Summary
Ceramic hip endoprostheses rarely fracture, with most breaks linked to acetabular malpositioning. High-quality BIOLOX ceramics demonstrate durability in hip replacement surgery.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Biomaterials Science
- Materials Engineering
Background:
- Ceramic hip endoprostheses have been utilized since 1974.
- Assessing the long-term performance and fracture risks of ceramic implants is crucial for patient safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the incidence and causes of ceramic hip endoprosthesis fractures.
- To compare the fracture tolerance of ceramic implants with metal-polyethylene combinations.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 2356 ceramic hip endoprostheses implanted between 1974 and 1987.
- Categorization of fractures by type (stem, component) and cause (fatigue, casting fault, trauma, persistent).
Main Results:
- Overall stem fracture rate was 0.13% (3/2356), with two fatigue fractures and one casting fault.
- Component fractures due to direct trauma occurred in 0.25% (6/2356) of cases.
- Persistent fractures (0.34%, 8/2356) were primarily associated with acetabular malpositioning and ceramic collar impingement; no ceramic fractures were noted with ceramic/polyethylene combinations.
Conclusions:
- Fractures of high-quality BIOLOX ceramic hip endoprostheses are rare.
- Acetabular malpositioning is a significant factor in persistent ceramic fractures and abrasion.
- Ceramic implants exhibit lower tolerance to undue strain compared to metal-polyethylene counterparts, highlighting the importance of surgical accuracy.
