Bioceramics in orthopedic surgery: know how status and preliminary results

Bioceramic materials for orthopaedic surgery can be distinguished in two groups: bioinert and bioactive ceramics. The bioinert ceramics provoke a minimal tessutal reaction; the bioactive ones stimulate the bone ingrowth and a bone-material link capable to support physiological loads occurs. Alumina (Al2O3) is an inert bioceramic which presents an excellent mechanical strenght and a very low wear. For this reason Al2O3 is used in manufacturing of acetabular component and femoral head of total.hip.arthroplasties (THA) Al2O3 is also used as coating of metallic hip prosthetic stems and for small joint prostheses. As bioactive ceramics we analyzed bioglass and hydroxyapatite (HA). Bioglasses are actually considered very promising materials but they have not still a clinical application. HA is the more used bioactive material in orthopaedics. The close interface link with bone tissue allows the use of HA in bone cavities filling of various skeletal diseases and as coating of metallic prostheses.