Modular Hip Joint Systems
Different Components made from Different Materials
Todays hip joint replacements consist of different components, each of which is selected from a range of components within a modular hip joint system.
The metal cup shell, which is implanted in the pelvic bone, is fitted with a cup insert. The cup insert provides the articulating surface for the component. The ball head which is attached to the femur by means of the prosthetic stem, provides the other articulating surface. The ball head and the cup insert form the so-called wear couple and in walking they continually rub one against the other.
Cup inserts and ball heads are available in different materials. For the cup insert you can choose between conventional polyethylene, highly cross-linked polyethylene, metal or ceramic. For the ball head you can choose between metal or ceramic. Thus, for the wear couple different material combinations are possible and the following are available:
- Metal/Polyethylene
- Ceramic/Polyethylene
- Ceramic/Ceramic
- Metal/Metal
Hip prostheses incorporating ceramic parts, provide an excellent treatment option, which offers patients the possibility of obtaining a high quality of life for a long period of time. Ceramics have proved themselves in long term clinical use on account of the various advantages which they provide. Ceramic ball heads and cup inserts offer the best possible solution, particularly for younger and more active patients and for patients who exhibit metal sensitivity.
BIOLOX®forte ball heads and cup inserts made from high performance ceramic are available in most modular hip systems (see the illustration below).
