Advancements and Considerations in Ceramic Bearings for Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Objective: Total  hip  arthroplasty  (THA)  is  a  widely  successful orthopedic  procedure  offering  relief  to  patients suffering  from  hip  joint  disorders.  Ceramic  bearings, particularly ceramic-on-ceramic (CoC) surfaces, have gained  attention  for  their  remarkable  tribological properties and biocompatibility. This article discusses the  role  of  ceramic  bearings  in  THA,  including their  historical  background,  stability,  and  potential complications.  It  explores  the  advantages  of  CoC bearings, such as their low wear rates and reduced risk of complications like aseptic loosening and prosthetic joint  infections  and  delves  into  considerations  like ceramic fracture and squeaking phenomena. Materials and methods:This  article  is  based  on  a  rigorous  literature  search conducted  across  reputable  academic  databases, including  PubMed,  Scopus,  Web  of  Science,  and Google  Scholar,  the  succeeding  search  keywords were  applied:  “total  hip  arthroplasty”,  “ceramic- on-ceramic”,  “total  hip  arthroplasty  dislocation”, “prosthetic  joint  infections”,  “ceramic  fractures”, “aseptic loosening”, “squeaking”. Conclusion: Ceramic-on-Ceramic (CoC) bearings, while promising, are not commonly used in primary hip arthroplasty due to  cost  concerns  and  surgical  precision  requirements. However, they are gaining ground for younger, active patients. Technological  advancements  have  reduced  the  risks of  implant  fracture.  Additionally,  noise  generation is  not  associated  with  an  increase  incomplication Nevertheless, patients should be informed about these rare risks during the preoperative consent process. Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol. 23 No. 03 July’24 Page : 617-625