Whether you have just commenced exploring treatment options for your hip pain or already have decided to go for a hip replacement surgery, we’ve got some information that might help you in your decision making. It has been proven that hip replacement surgery is one of the most successful procedures performed by orthopaedic surgeons for relieving chronic hip pain. With more than 90% success rate, hip replacement implants have managed to drastically reduce pain and improve function for people with damaged joints. The most conventional reason for having a hip replacement is osteoarthritis while other possible reasons include rheumatoid arthritis, a hip fracture or hip dysplasia; a condition where the hip joint hasn’t developed properly. It is essential to understand that a hip replacement implant is usually done when all other options including medication have failed to provide sufficient pain relief. The main objective behind the procedure is to relieve a sore hip joint, thus making walking and other activities easier.

The surgery involves taking off parts of the hip joint that are problem causing (usually the ball and socket) and then replacing them with new parts made from metal, plastic, and ceramic. Many people undergo this surgery every year and it usually brings great effects in terms of enhanced strength and well-being. However, it’s always vital to discuss with your doctor about the probable risks involved in it.

The material for the hip implant is normally selected by your surgeon depending on your medical condition and unique requirements. Full metal implants are now not readily preferred by surgeons due to the high risk of metal poisoning. Thus came titanium metal and ceramic implants at your rescue. Let’s find out how both of these are different from each other and which one can be the right fit for you.

Ceramic Implants

Ceramic hip implants are among the latest type of prosthesis being used for hip replacement, giving greater resistance to damage and smooth movement of the joint. For those who are not aware of Ceramic material, it’s a tough substance and does not get worn out easily as compared to metals and plastic. However, ceramic is also not completely devoid of problems. They tend to develop cracks and breaking down easily. However, newer ceramic materials have demonstrated lesser problems but, long-term clinical outcomes with ceramic implants are less published contrary to the metallic implants. This fact somewhat restricts the preference for ceramic implants.

Titanium Implants

Most hip implants these days consist of Titanium. Both the ball and the socket of the hip joint are replaced with a titanium implant, and a plastic spacer is placed in between. Titanium metal has a long history of established effectiveness in hip replacement and continues to be preferred by many surgeons. Based on current practice, metal (Titanium) implants are preferred in aged patients, while ceramic implants are being increasingly recommended in younger candidates due to their reliable durability.

Despite rising concerns over metal and other material implants used in the surgery, the majority of the hip replacement implants have been successful and have improved the quality of life and function.

To round off, when it comes to choosing the best material, both have their pros and cons. While ceramic does not get as worn out as metal or plastic, they can develop cracks or break suddenly.  It will eventually depend on the surgeons to pick the best one for you after analyzing the risks and benefits of various implants.

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