High-performance ceramics in musculoskeletal surgery : current use and future perspectives

Abstract

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent disease among the elderly population, necessitating effective treatment options. Total joint arthroplasty (TJA) is a reliable surgical procedure that has shown good long-term clinical outcomes for OA. However, certain challenges, such as implant failure caused by particle-induced aseptic loosening or hypersensitivity to metal ions, remain unresolved in TJA. High-performance ceramic implants have emerged as a promising solution to address these persistent implant-related issues. This review article provides an overview of the composition and characteristics of ceramics used in TJA, highlighting their potential advantages and associated risks. While ceramic implants have demonstrated excellent performance in vivo for hip and knee arthroplasty, their bioinert behaviour is still considered a crucial factor regarding cementless options. Therefore, novel methods are investigated that seem to be able to combine the benefits of ceramic materials with an excellent osseointegration behaviour, which makes ceramics as implant materials an even stronger option for future applications.