Alumina Matrix Composites in Arthroplasty

Abstract

It is well known that the introduction of zirconia into the alumina matrix has a positive effect on bending strength of the material, and especially on toughness which is the main limit of alumina ceramics. While the many attempts made in the past to develop alumina matrix composites suitable for biomedical applications containing zirconia as a toughening phase (Zirconia Toughened Alumina – ZTA) did not leave the developmental stage, recently ball heads and inlays for THR bearings made out a three phase alumina matrix composite were introduced into the market. In the alumina matrix of this material both zirconia and exagonal aluminate platelets are distributed, and then it belongs to the class of Zirconia and Platelets Toughened Alumina – ZPTA. Besides ball heads and inlays, also several other innovative orthopedic devices made out this new ceramic biomaterial are in different development stage. This paper reviews the present status of alumina matrix composites in orthopedic application, with special attention to ZPTA.