What must be observed during revision of a ceramic ball head?
Once a ceramic ball head has been combined with a metal taper the metal surface will be lastingly deformed, which means that a ceramic ball head can only be used once. Furthermore, parts of the ceramic ball may damage the stem taper. If the stem is to remain in the femur and if it is stably anchored then only a metal ball head may be fitted. The ball head itself adapts to the stem taper and ensures its stable anchorage. This will rule out the risk of subsequent fracture. The cup or, with modular cup models, the cup insert must always be changed, even if it is securely mounted. If not, ceramic particles remaining in the polyethylene surface would permanently damage the replaced ball head over time and cause greater wear.
