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 After recent fears were raised that patients could be poisoned by metal-to-metal hip plants, the benefits of ceramic replacement joints are now understandably coming into focus for the approximate 30,000 people in the UK with metal-to-metal replacements.

In metal-to-metal joints, when 2 metal components can "rub" against each other under load, the surfaces in contact start to wear and over time, tiny metal particles are released. In an artificial metal-on-metal hip joint these tiny metal particles can get into the bloodstream and eventually find their way into the bones leading to osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a disease of bones that leads to an increased risk of fracture.

An alternative to metal-on-metal implants is to use ceramic-on-ceramic. Ceramic has had a long and successful history of use in implantable medical devices, particularly due to the benefits of very low wear rate and its biological inertness.

Morgan Technical Ceramics has supplied the medical industry with ceramic components (femoral heads and acetabular cups- the matting part) named Vitox for more than 24 years. Our ceramic combines 3 key characteristics - high wear resistance, excellent mechanical properties and long term stability.

Vitox ceramic also offers a wide range of design possibilities: Ceramic can be used to manufacture larger diameter femoral heads and acetabular cups. These are proven to reduce the likelihood of dislocation by providing a more stable joint, a problem in patients who have undergone total hip replacement arthroplasty surgery. Additionally, larger bio-ceramic hip joints, close in diameter to natural bone feature, give recipients a wider range of motion without the potential for dislocation, improving quality of life.

It is properties such as those highlighted above and that make ceramic orthopaedic implants a viable and often preferable option within the medical industry. If you are interested in investigating the medical uses for ceramics further, why not contact us at MTC Rugby.