[The properties required of bioceramics for artificial joints (author's transl)].

Tests of hip joint simulator proove the outstanding friction--and wear-behaviour of high density high purity allumina ceramics, being well known for many years from the field of engineering. According to a comparison of the characteristical physical properties of these special oxide ceramics with the requirements of materials for artificial joints, it is to be expected that wear components being made of high density alumina ceramics will show a very good behaviour in long time runs. This paper will also discuss the problems of body compatability breifly, which have been solved so far already.