Reliability of ceramic components for total hip endoprostheses

The material and component requirements for ceramic femoral hall heads in total hip replacement systems are described and briefly discussed. Reliability is correlated to the homogeneity of the material in terms of microstructure and Weibull modulus, and to the design of the components. Stress distribution can be analysed by finite element analysis. Based on controlled and specialised processing and the stress analysis data the design can he optimised. Proof testing, as part of ʹfinal inspection, is an efficient method for eliminating components having strengths at the low end of the strength distribution spectrum. BCT/275