What is an endoprosthesis?
In endoprosthetics, damaged joints are replaced with endoprostheses. Depending on whether one wants to replace a whole joint or only parts of a joint, one uses a total endoprosthesis (TEP) or a partial endoprosthesis (hemiendoprosthesis, HEP).
An endoprosthesis should be as durable as possible, but at the same time be tolerated by the body. It is usually made of metal, ceramic and plastic. For modern endoprostheses, special metal alloys of titanium, cobalt or chromium are usually used. The inlay of the endoprosthesis, which replaces the joint cartilage, is made of polyethylene plastic.
The connection between the endoprosthesis and the bone is called anchorage. A distinction is made between:
- Cemented endoprosthesis: This is the most common type. Here, the endoprosthesis is connected to the bone with the help of a special plastic cement.
- Cementless endoprosthesis: It is first pressed into the bone and anchored by ingrowth. This variant is more suitable for younger patients, as their bone substance is still stronger and more stable than that of older patients.
- hybrid endoprosthesis: It combines both types – one part of the endoprosthesis is cemented, the other is fixed without cement.
