[Standardization of zirconia ceramics for hip endoprostheses]

Bioceramics are used in a wide range of different clinical applications, the most important being femoral heads in total hip replacement. Because of their very attractive mechanical properties, zirconia ceramics (ZrO2) have recently been used as implant material. At the present time, two medical-grade types of zirconia are available: Mg-PSZ and Y-TZP. For the Y-TZP, an international standard (ISO) was issued. The standard is discussed, and the properties that are of importance in the field of orthopaedics are identified.