DEVELOPMENT IN MEDICAL-GRADE ALUMINA DURING THE PAST 2 DECADES

Medical-grade alumina (Al2O3) ceramic has been used in various clinica l applications for the past two decades. The primary applications have been in orthopedic and dental implants. The most successful applicati on is the femoral ball head for hip endoprostheses, Up to May 1993 mor e than 2 million heads have been used worldwide. The following topics will be discussed: femoral ball heads for total hip replacement (THR), safety factors, standards and government regulations, and future deve lopment.