[Survey of materials in hip endoprosthesis]

While bone cement debris has been recognised as an important factor in aseptic loosening of prosthetic components, the interest is now focused on the impact of debris and wear-off particles from polyethylene and metal alloys. As an optimal lubrication cannot be generated yet, direct contact between the components produces wear particles, depending on the materials used. The materials reported on include alloys based on iron, cobalt, titanium and polyethylene, bone cement and ceramics. These all show the problem of debris, friction, corrosion (except ceramics) and load failure, related to the work up process. The practitioner is given an overview and tables are presented to compare the used material.