Background: Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is probably one of the most successful surgical interventions performed in medicine. Through the revolution of hip arthroplasty by principles of low friction arthroplasty was introduced by Sir John Charnley in 1960s. Thereafter, new bearing materials, fixation methods, and new designs has been improved. The main concern regarding failure of THA has been the biological response to particulate polyethylene debris generated by conventional metal on polyethylene bearing surfaces leading to osteolysis and aseptic loosening of the prosthesis. To resolve these problems, the materials of the modern THA were developed since then.
Methods: A literature search strategy was conducted using various search terms in PUBMED. The highest quality articles that met the inclusion criteria and best answered the topics of focus of this review were selected. Key search terms included 'total hip arthroplasty', 'biomaterials', 'stainless steel', 'cobalt-chromium', 'titanium', 'polyethylene', and 'ceramic'.
Results: The initial search retrieved 6921 articles. Thirty-two articles were selected and used in the review.
Conclusion: This article introduces biomaterials used in THA and discusses various bearing materials in currentclinical use in THA as well as the newer biomaterials which may even further decrease wear and improve THA survivorship.
Keywords: Arthroplasty; Biomaterials; Ceramic; Cobalt-chromium alloy; Hip; Polyethylene; Stainless steel; Titanium alloy.