Conclusion

Since their introduction in 1965, ceramics for orthopaedic implants have conquered a large share of the implant market, mainly thanks to their outstanding wear properties and excellent biocompatibility. They are proving to be the alternative of choice to conventional friction couples (metal-polyethylene), particularly for young, active patients. First alumina, then yttriated zirconia and finally alumina-zirconia composites have met with great success in these applications, and a few resounding setbacks have not slowed their development. Future developments will involve the search for even more mechanically resistant and chemically stable ceramics. These new-generation ceramics will open the door to applications hitherto reserved for metals, as they require excessive mechanical strength and reliability: resurfacing implants, mobile intervertebral implants in the lumbar region... In addition,...