Who’s a good candidate for a ceramic hip replacement?

There are no age or weight restrictions for total hip replacements.

Several reasons a doctor may recommend hip replacement surgery include:

• Arthritis of the hip, such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis
• Pain or stiffness in the hip that restricts normal activities, such as walking
• Pain that continues while resting
• Insufficient relief from anti-inflammatory medications

A doctor may recommend ceramic hip replacement for

• Younger people due to the material’s durability and longevity
• People sensitive to nickel used in metal hip replacements

What’s the difference between ceramic and metal?

• Surgeons began using ceramics for hip replacement surgery due to the problems of friction and wear often reported with metal or metal and plastic.
• Artificial hips were once typically made of a metal ball and a polyethylene (plastic) socket. Over time, hard metal can wear away soft plastic. But ceramic is very hard and provides more longevity for an artificial hip.
• Ceramic may be used for both the ball and the lining of the socket (ceramic on ceramic) or just the ball. Other parts may be made of either metal or plastic, ceramic on metal, or ceramic on plastic (polyethylene).
• Research shows that ceramic bearings decrease wear, bone, and muscle loss, and lower the risk of dislocation. The human body also tolerates ceramic well, with low reactivity and no toxicity. Research shows that ceramic hip replacements may be preferable to metal or plastics, as ceramic is more durable and may last longer.
• There are some limitations for ceramic materials, including a risk of fracture during implant. Improvements in modern materials have made fractures less of a concern today.
• A surgeon will assess the advantages and disadvantages of each material for your case before making a decision.