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Ceramic on ceramic...better or worse?!

Posted , 7 users are following.

verity87
verity87

Hi all,

So I get my hip done in 1 month (argh!). Got my referral letter copy yesterday and it states I'll be having a ceramic on ceramic replacement. Has anybody else had this and can you please tell me what the pros of this are? Can it still be done posterior (I'm hoping not as I want anterior approach!).

I'm 29 with osteoarthritis

Thanks

(Although very nervous!)

Verity

1 like, 9 replies

9 Replies

  • Rocketman_SG6UK
    Rocketman_SG6UK verity87

    Posted

    Yep - mine is ceramic on ceramic, posterior.

    Reputedly the longest lasting of all due to hard wearing properties.

    Cons - only one I know of is that mine was inserted incorrectly, and so might break or wear out earlier.

    Graham - now without osteoarthritis cheesygrin.

  • hope4cure
    hope4cure verity87

    Posted

    My first hip is a Zimmer manufactured hip implant components. Examples of biomaterials include titanium, cobalt-chrome, polyethylene, and Trabecular Metal, material. Usually for hip replacements, the outer shell of the new socket is made of metal. The inner shell, or liner, can be made of ceramic, metal, or a plastic called polyethylene.

     Mine is the poly cup liner so there is no metal on metal rubbing with movement. It's lasted for 17 years. I think as long as we care for our new hips and take precautions they can last for many years. 

    After 17 years the cup needs replacing down the road from wear & I go in for a new poly cup in a few months. The implant in femor and ball joint are in Good shape.

    Some surgeons have what they prefer others offer options.

     

    • judith12644
      judith12644 hope4cure

      Posted

      Pleased to hear that your hip has lasted so long! Good luck with your next bit of surgery.
    • hope4cure
      hope4cure judith12644

      Posted

      Thank you , have you had THR?

      replacing the cup is a simple proceedure no Worries. biggrin

       

  • judith12644
    judith12644 verity87

    Posted

    Hi Verity, mine is ceramic on ceramic, uncemented, posterior. My surgeon recommended it as hard wearing, and good for people who are active, and want a good range of movement. I don't know how it's going to be long term, only had it for about 16 weeks, but very pleased so far! I'm 58. My surgeon doesn't want me running ( except for the bus!), but happy for me to carry on skiing. Walking and cycling v comfortable now.

    • hope4cure
      hope4cure judith12644

      Posted

      Oh I could  have read down further.. Your only in 16 weeks ! 

      gald to hear your doing so well! Life with out the hip pain is a precious gift!

       

  • julie90197
    julie90197 verity87

    Posted

    Hi verity. I am 5 weeks post op on LTHR having a posterise approach. I had ceramic cup and titanium ball. The surgeon said that this is the best approach and the hips last about 20 years, depending on how active you are. I.e. Climbing mountains and stuff like that.

    I am up and about. Sleeping on my scar side and almost doing the 90 degree bend. I understands everyone heals different but hop this helps a little.

    Good luck. Jules. X

    • beth2509
      beth2509 julie90197

      Posted

      Sort of snap - 1.5 weeks Post op LTHR titanium and ceramic, minimally invasixe poetrior approach. My surgeon discussed all the options with me. He told me that ceramic on ceramic is ?thought? to have a longer life span and therefore is often recommended for the younger patients, but truthfully they don't know because they haven't done enough of them for long enough to test that theory. He said that the difference in mobolity of the hip was not really a factor compared with the newer hybrid approaches  - the only real factor was the supposed length of time it would last. On the minus side, although he did say this was becoming rarer, there is a risk of what he called catastrophic failure in ceramic on ceramic - the ceramic becomes brittle and shatters. Although he did emphasise this is rare, he said it was an additional factor to consider. He said that given my age (59) was neither young nor old for this surgery, he was comfortable that the hybrid would be the best solution for me. And I agreed. But he certainly didn't seem to think there was anything "wrong" with ceramic on ceramic - nothing is foolproof and he was clear about that, but the chances of any of them failing are not high. Obviously it happens. But the one God gave me failed too, hence why I am post op!

  • elaine23679
    elaine23679 verity87

    Posted

    HI mine are ceramic on ceramic and all going to plan apparently.... This was done posterior both hips together. 

    Just need to remember it is a major operation and recovery is different for everyone.

    ​56 yrs with oesto and rhuematoid arthritis

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