Load Pattern Controlled Osseo Integration of Al₂O₃ Ceramic Hip Sockets and Stepped Stems of a Vanadium-Free Titanium Alloy

Abstract

A bioinert material is defined by the absence of biochemical influences on the adjacent tissue. It had been shown that the remodelling of bony tissue in the vicinity of bioinert prostheses is mainly controlled by the new load pattern created by the presence of the implant (1). If the shape of the prosthesis is chosen as to account for the remodelling ability of the bony tissue concerned well load transmitting interfaces and structures for direct (ancylotic) anchorage of the prosthetic device can be achieved (2). This had been demonstrated in animal experiments and confirmed by the discovery of the “load-line-shadow-effect” (3).