Further experimental and clinical experience with aluminum oxide endoprostheses.

This paper describes the design principles of a new endoprosthesis made of dense aluminum oxide (A12O3) and implanted without bone cement. Mechanical tests and animal experiments have proved the sufficient mechanical strength of the bone-prosthesis connection as well as the biocompatibility of the material. So far, 12 tumor patients selected according to strict indication criteria have been operated on. Both the clinical-radiologic and the first histological findings available are encouraging. Special reference is made to the first fully ceramic total hip joint endoprostheses implanted in a human without bone cement.