A Retrieval Study of Al 2 O 3 -Heads Running Against UHMWPE- and CFRP-Cups

The articulating surfaces of retrieved ceramic heads (n = 37, Al 2 O 3 ) implanted with cemented and non cemented UHMWPE-cups or cementless CFRP-cups (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic) were compared using surface measurement techniques and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). There were no surface changes regarding roughness, geometry (diameter and sphericity) and morphology of retrieved ceramic balls compared to virgin balls of the related product period. However this statement must be limited to the observed implantation times.