The shank types
The manufacturers also advertise here with different designs. Comparative studies between the different models and their advantages and disadvantages are only carried out to a limited extent. Below is a random selection of different stock models.
Shown is a cementless prosthesis made of titanium. In the area that is inserted into the bone, the prosthesis is roughened so that the boil can easily form a bond with the titanium.A ceramic artificial femoral head is attached. This is a modular system, i.e. the length of the stem can be individually selected depending on the patient and the surgical situation.
Modular systems are frequently used in the field of exchange surgery. Another model with macroporous upper and microporous lower stem. Macroporous prostheses are usually cast so that they are not made of titanium.
Cobalt-chrome-nickel compounds are usually used for this purpose. The femoral head is the part of the total prosthesis that can be adapted, or more precisely: needs to be adapted, depending on the situation and individual needs. It is therefore – as already described above – a modular part of the total prosthesis.
Modular parts of a total prosthesis, be it in the area of the femoral head or in the area of the stem types (see above), help to better adapt to individual circumstances. These components enable the surgeon, for example, to compensate for differences in leg length – if it can be considered reasonable. There are different materials used to manufacture the hip prosthesis heads.
Often steel alloys or ceramic femoral head prostheses are used. Advantages and disadvantages can be found with both materials. Ceramic hip prosthesis heads are said to be less abrasive, but also more susceptible to breakage, while steel is practically unbreakable, but causes more abrasion. A final evaluation as to which materials can be categorized as better has not yet been clarified. Research into new materials or improvements to existing materials will certainly continue to advance.
