Case Report

Phase transformation of a new generation yttria-stabilized zirconia femoral head after total hip arthroplasty

Authors

Yasuhisa Hayaishi¹, Hidenobu Miki², Hideki Yoshikawa³ and Nobuhiko Sugano³

1. Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Gracia Hospital, 6-14-1 Aomadani-Nishi, Minoo 562-8567, Japan
2. Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Osaka National Hospital, 2-1-14 Hoenzaka, Chuo-ku, Osaka 540-0006, Japan
3. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita 565-0871, Japan

Received:

16 April 2008

Accepted:

1 July 2008

Published online:

26 July 2008

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Abstract

We examined a new-generation yttria-stabilized zirconia head manufactured by NGK 1 year after total hip arthroplasty. Monoclinic content of the retrieved head was twice that of the unused head at the pole and equator. A fourfold increase in monoclinic content was observed at 5 mm below the equator. Transformation from the tetragonal phase to the monoclinic phase occurred in the new generation zirconia with alumina doping within a relatively short period in vivo.

Key words

Ceramic head - Phase transformation - Polyethylene wear - Total hip arthroplasty - Zirconia