Metal-on-Metal Bearings in Total Hip Arthroplasty
Beaulé, P.E.; Mussett, S.A.; Medley, J.B.
Instructional Course Lectures 59: 17-25
2010
ISSN/ISBN: 0065-6895 PMID: 20415363 Document Number: 639368
The demand for total hip arthroplasty is increasing, as are patients' expectations to return to high activity levels. Metal-on-metal bearings are being used in an effort to maximize the longevity of primary hip replacements. Acetabular component inclination has been a recognized aspect of surgical technique for more than 20 years; it now is considered critical, especially in hip resurfacing or implantation of a stem-type device with a larger diameter femoral head and a monoblock acetabular component. It is important to understand the indications for using metal-on-metal bearings as well as the key clinical factors for avoiding early implant failure.