What are the technology improvements that are available to me today?
Implant technology has improved the wear rate of implants. In other words, testing indicates that with new technologies such as ceramic-on-ceramic surfaces, hip implants wear better. Traditionally, implants were made to articulate with a metal femoral head and polyethylene (plastic) acetabulum. We know that polyethylene is a soft material that inevitably wears. Therefore young, active patients with total hip replacements can see polyethylene wear on x-ray within several years in some cases. Osteolysis or bone resorption becomes progressive, necessitating polyethylene liner exchange and bone grafting at some point or the problem will get even worse. Ceramic-on-ceramic surfaces may decrease wear and the conditions associated with it.
