Third-generation alumina-on-alumina total hip arthroplasty: 14 to 16-year follow-up study.

Ceramic-on-ceramic articulation has the lowest wear with little osteolysis. However, the wear and osteolysis in long-term follow-up are not known. Another concern is ceramic fracture, which might occur after repeated stress during a long period. Ninety hips (76 patients with a mean age of 47 years) that underwent cementless total hip arthroplasty using third-generation ceramic-on-ceramic articulation were followed for 14-16 years. At final follow-up, there was no measurable ceramic wear and no periprosthetic osteolysis was identified. No ceramic fracture occurred during the follow-up. One hip was revised because of late infection. All prostheses were bone-ingrown. Two patients experienced a grinding sensation. However, no patient had squeak. The mean Harris hip score at the final evaluation was 89 points and the survival rate was 98.9%.