Ceramic Implants For Knees

This composite ceramic was developed to overcome the disadvantageous aging of zirconia and the relatively low fracture toughness of alumina.

Ceramic implants for knees.

While some people may have knee replacements that may last for decades some may require a second surgery called revision knee replacement surgery just a few years later. Trevor north orthopedic surgeon most surgeons use one style of implant for a significant majority of knee replacement cases. The knee replacement implant parts are made of metal medical grade plastic or ceramic. It also rides on a plastic spacer.

People who are sensitive to the nickel used in metal implants might get the ceramic type. The metal femoral component curves around the end of the femur thighbone. These materials do not wear out easily but they will not last forever. Stainless steel knee implants are also available however its use has mostly been taken over by other alloy implants.

Types of knee replacement implants according to dr. Titanium only implants are available for patients who are allergic to nickel but it is more difficult to obtain the highly polished surface that facilitates smooth motion with titanium than it is with cobalt chrome. Biolox delta ceramic knee. Zirconium alloy is used in a new ceramic knee implant.

Up to three bone surfaces may be replaced in a total knee replacement. This type uses a ceramic femoral component instead of metal or a metal component with a ceramic coating. In saying this ceramic implants are more costly and can be more susceptible to fracturing since the material is brittle. The lower end of the femur.

Based on the successful use of ceramic components in hip replacement one manufacturer has developed a ceramic implant for the knee. Biolox delta ceramic is a composite matrix material containing 82 volume alumina al 2 o 3 and 17 volume zirconia zro 2. The zirconium alloy is combined with an all plastic tibial component replacing the metal tray and plastic insert used in other knee replacements.