Absence of undesirable
allergic reactions
Unmatched biocompatibility: BIOLOX® ceramics do not cause undesirable allergic reactions
More than 30 years of clinical experience and a large number of histological investigations done by many different groups have demonstrated the superior biocompatibility and excellent long term clinical performance of BIOLOX® ceramic implants. BIOLOX® ceramics do not release metal ions and do not cause undesirable allergic reactions. In the professional literature the use in artificial hip joints of ceramic wear couples is recommended in preference to metal - polyethylene wear couples on account of its exceptionally low wear and excellent biocompatibility. This is especially an advantage for young and active patients due to their high level of physical activity which places higher demands on the materials used.
Metal sensitivity can reduce implant lifetime
A continually increasing number of publications report on allergic responses to the constituents of metal alloys used in hip and knee replacement. Metallic elements such as nickel, chromium and cobalt are well-known contact allergens, which can produce classical allergic responses in humans. In the medical literature there are countless articles, which report on the immune response and hypersensitivity reactions to metals and on their effect on the lifetime and failure of implants. Immunological and allergic reactions to the metallic elements contained in metal alloy implants are cited as possible causes for osteolysis, early implant loosening and postoperative complications such as delayed wound healing, delayed bone healing and eczema. Allergic reactions to implants can lead to implant removal and the insertion of a non-metallic replacement.
The possibility of health risks due to metallic wear cannot be excluded
In the medical literature the use of a metal - metal prosthesis is contra-indicated for patients with metal allergy and chronic kidney disease. There is uncertainty over the possible effects caused by the long term loading of the human body with small metallic wear particles and metal ions. Whether released metal ions have a tumour-causing effect is still not absolutely certain. However, some publications have raised the suspicion that in patients a weakening of the body’s own resistance to infection is one possible effect of this disturbance to the immunological system
The correct choice of bearing material has become even more important
As publications show, there is at this time no reliable diagnostic test which can be used to predict whether there will be an allergic response to the metal elements in alloy implants. In view of this uncertainty and on account of reports showing an increasing number of patients who exhibit hypersensitivity reactions to metals the selection of the material to be used for the wear couple in artificial joints takes on a greater significance.