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Basic Science
intermediate
X-Type

Ceramic Bearing Surfaces in Arthroplasty

Biomaterials

A 45-year-old active patient with primary osteoarthritis undergoes total hip arthroplasty. The surgeon recommends a ceramic-on-ceramic bearing using BIOLOX Delta components to maximize implant longevity. The patient asks about the advantages and risks of ceramic bearings compared to metal-on-polyethylene. You explain that modern ceramic composites offer ultra-low wear rates but carry specific complications including squeaking and fracture risk. Regarding ceramic bearing surfaces in arthroplasty:

Mark each as TRUE or FALSE

A

BIOLOX Delta is an alumina matrix composite consisting of 82% alumina (Al2O3), 17% zirconia platelet...

B

Ceramic-on-ceramic bearings achieve wear rates of less than 0.005 mm per year, approximately 10-fold...

C

Pure zirconia femoral heads were withdrawn from clinical use due to in vivo phase transformation fro...

D

Squeaking in ceramic-on-ceramic bearings occurs in 1-8% of cases, is usually benign and resolves spo...

E

The elastic modulus of ceramic bearings is approximately 20-25 GPa, similar to cortical bone, which ...

Answer the questions to see explanations

Click T (True) or F (False) for each option