Hip replacement: Common implant material options

A hip replacement operation typically involves removing the damaged hip joint and replacing it with an artificial implant. Surgeons such as Dr. Ryan Shephard have different options for implant materials. The selection depends on various considerations, including the nature of the deformity or abnormality of the hip, the age and lifestyle of the patient, and doctor’s preference.

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Some of the most common materials are the following:

Metal and plastic

Possibly the most commonly used hip replacement implants, the prosthetic made of these materials is comprised of a metal implant, usually titanium or stainless steel, to replace the ball-and-socket hip joint, and then using polyethylene, a high-quality plastic, as spacer in-between. The implant is fused to the bone either by press-fitting the implant into the bone and allowing new bone to develop around the implant or by cementing the prosthesis in place.

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Ceramic

Surgeons like Dr. Ryan Shephard determine whether a patient has allergic reaction to metals. Should an allergy be detected, ceramic can be used as an alternative implant material. Ceramic parts can be used in combination with other components, such as special metal or plastic. Ceramic exhibits high durability properties, but it is more fragile than metal, thus, the latter remains a more viable option for many.

Metal-on-metal

This option is similar to the previous one, however, no insertion of plastic material is made in between the implants. While it was discovered that the metals have good wear characteristics, there remains concern about the metal debris the implant might produce. Historically, there have been no data showing that metal ions have an adverse effect on one’s health, but further studies are still recommended.

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