[A study of the mechanical properties of alumina-on-alumina total hip prosthesis (author's transl)].

The authors describe the results obtained between 1970 and 1980 (more than 1205 cases) with an original prosthesis made of alumina (aluminium oxide) for the frictional torque. In the first stage some failures were encountered due to disruptures between the ball and the stem. A new type of union was designed in which the ball is peroperatively placed on a titanium alloy stem by conical fixation. This ceramic material exhibits a very low friction, negligible wear and excellent biocompatibility. These prosthesis can be inserted with or without cement.