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Ceramic-on-metal highlighted as a 'future' bearing surface

The mid-term results of a study have highlighted safety of ceramic-on-metal as a 'future' bearing surface.
Over the course of the trial it was noted that ceramic-on-metal total hip arthroplasty (THA) articulations resulted in lower blood chromium levels in comparison with metal-on-metal articulations, reports Ortho Supersite.

The researchers, led by Anton Schepers, had set out to identify the best hip-bearing surfaces in the long-term, both clinically and radiographically by comparing four styles of THA bearing surfaces: ceramic-on-crosslinked polyethylene, ceramic-on-ceramic, metal-on-metal and ceramic-on-metal.

In total 239 patients, excluding any who had a revision or died from causes unrelated to the surgery, were investigated, with the researchers measuring their whole blood metal ion levels for each bearing surface combination.

It was concluded that after three years, ion levels increased in the metal-on-metal and ceramic-on-metal groups, but not the others.

However, at 12 months postoperatively, chrome and cobalt levels were lower in the ceramic-on-metal group.

Schepers also noted that with ceramic-on-metal THA, there was the potential for less adhesive and corrosive wear, no risk of cup liner facture, and no squeaking.

The study was detailed in Orthopaedics Today Europe.

Last week, orthopaedic surgeon and hip and knee specialist Dr Stuart Smith told Tennessean.com that hip arthroplasty is being performed on younger patients as people expect better mobility.

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