What are the advantages and disadvatages of using titanium as a hip Replacement?
Advantages of titanium: It is very strong (stronger than another alloy used in hip replacement: cobalt chromium) It is highly corrosion-resistant It is biocompatible in bulk form (but see below for the problems created by tiny particles of metal in the body). The body tolerates titanium alloys very well. It is not as stiff or rigid as cobalt chromium. This is a good thing because bones aren’t absolutely rigid either. Cementless hips are often made of titanium. A very stiff metal implant can cause “stress shielding”. Disadvantages: some people can develop metal allergies from any of the metals used in hip replacement. Small wear particles from metal hip implants can cause osteolysis. This is a bad thing and can cause implants to loosen and need to be reoperated on. You may also want to look at this web page from a site developed by an ortho surgeon as a service to patients. It appears in [slightly fractured] English translation without commercial content.
