Advancements and Considerations in Ceramic Bearings for Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Narrative Review

Objective Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a widely successful orthopedic procedure offering relief to patients suffering from hip joint disorders. Ceramic bearings, particularly ceramic-on-ceramic (CoC) surfaces, have gained attention for their remarkable tribological properties and biocompatibility. This article discusses the role of ceramic bearings in THA, including their historical background, stability, and potential complications. It explores the advantages of CoC bearings, such as their low wear rates and reduced risk of complications like aseptic loosening and prosthetic joint infections and delves into considerations like ceramic fracture and squeaking phenomena. Materials and methods This article is based on a rigorous literature search conducted across reputable academic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, the succeeding search keywords were applied: "total hip arthroplasty", "ceramic- on-ceramic", "total hip arthroplasty dislocation", "prosthetic joint infections", "ceramic fractures", "aseptic loosening", "squeaking". Conclusion Ceramic-on-Ceramic (CoC) bearings, while promising, are not commonly used in primary hip arthroplasty due to cost concerns and surgical precision requirements. However, they are gaining ground for younger, active patients. Technological advancements have reduced the risks of implant fracture. Additionally, noise generation is not associated with an increase incomplication Nevertheless, patients should be informed about these rare risks during the preoperative consent process.