Metal-on-Metal Bearing in Total Hip Arthroplasty

Abstract

Metal-on-metal bearings have been reintroduced with the improved materials, design and manufacturing quality control as an alternative to the conventional metal-on-polyethylene articulation. The advantages of total hip arthroplasty using a metal-on-metal bearing include an extremely low wear rate, a very small risk of in vivo fracture and the use of a larger femoral head. These advantages have led to an increased use of metal-on-metal bearings for younger and more active patients with advanced hip disease. Concerns remain regarding the elevated levels of metal ions and their potential consequences such as metal hypersensitivity or potential carcinogenesis.