Choices of Hip Replacement Implant Material
Polyethylene, Metal, or Ceramic?
One of most common problems with replacement hips is the wear and tear that takes place through normal use. Over time, the body may see polyethylene wear particles as invaders or a source of infection. As the body starts to attack them, this leads to osteolysis, a "dissolving of the bone", which may result in having to replace the implant (revision). If you are a very active individual or a relatively young patient, your surgeon may prescribe an all-ceramic hip joint or all metal hip joint. Depending on the size of your natural hip, the surgeon also has the option of selecting 28mm or 32mm diameter ceramic balls or even larger metal balls. As of 1999-2003, the FDA has approved for market larger all-metal and all-ceramic hip replacements as alternate bearings to the polyethylene liner. For answers to Health Savings Account Question Selected Benefits website has the answers.
Metal Ball and Polyethylene Liners