Purpose: Dislocation is one of the most common complications following total hip arthroplasty (THA), with rates reported between 1% and 3%, but as high as 6% using a posterior approach with metal on polyethylene bearing surfaces. The purpose of this study was to assess the dislocation rates in ceramic-on-ceramic THAs.

Method: Primary ceramic-on-ceramic (Stryker Orthopaedics) THAs performed at 9 institutions from October 1996 through July 2005 were included in the study (1635 hips in 1485 patients). Sixty-one percent were male. The average age was 52 years (range 15–83). Osteoarthritis was the leading reason for surgical intervention (86%). A posterior approach and 32 mm or 36 mm femoral head was used in the majority of patients (90%). Patients returned for routine clinical examination or were contacted by telephone to assess for dislocations at a minimum of one year (average three years) after surgery.

Results: Of the 1635 ceramic-on-ceramic THAs performed, there were 18 dislocations (1.1%). Of these, 15 were 32 mm femoral heads; 3 were 28 mm; none were 36 mm. The majority of dislocations occurred within 3 months after surgery (72%). Closed reduction was successful in 17 hips with one requiring a revision.

Conclusion: A low rate of dislocations in ceramic-on-ceramic THAs occurred in this study (1.1%). Compared with reported metal-on-polyethylene bearing surfaces, the ceramic-on-ceramic articulation design appears to have fewer dislocations. Other factors associated with this low dislocation rate may be decreased femoral neck diameters and/or larger average femoral head size in patients receiving the ceramic-on-ceramic design. These results will need to be compared with contemporary THA using different articular surfaces.

A major challenge for total hip arthroplasty is to minimize wear and osteolysis in young, active patients. Alumina ceramic bearings have shown superior wear resistance and lubrication and do not carry the risk of ion release.

In a prospective randomized study (ABC), 514 hips were implanted. All patients (average age, 53 years) received the same press-fit hydroxyapatite coated femoral stem; two thirds (345 hips) received alumina ceramic bearings, and one third (169 hips) received a cobalt-chrome-on-polyethylene bearing. A fourth arm (Trident) was included involving use of a metal-backed acetabular component implanted in 209 patients.

At a mean follow-up of 35.2 months (range, 24–48 months), there was no significant difference in clinical performance between the patient cohorts. The cohort of patients included in the ABC, Trident, and extended access portion of the study represents a population of 2313 patients with no device related failures attributable to the ceramic on ceramic articulation used in these patients

This new experience involves the use of improved ceramic materials and new design considerations that eliminate the risks and complications of past experiences with ceramic implants and provides a safe bearing option for young patients.