Orthopedic Surgeons Now Use Longer-Lasting, All-Metal Hip Implants
July 1, 2003
A new prosthetic hip has no plastic parts, so it is rated to last longer than the 10 years of metal/plastic implants. The lower part of the prosthesis has a stem that fits into the femur, and a chrome ball to fit into the artificial hip socket. The ball is larger than in other prosthetic devices, to distribute weight and reduce wear. The socket's outer surface is porous, so surrounding tissue can grow into it.
