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Hip Pain
Ceramic Hip Replacements
Ceramic Hip Replacements: All Ceramic Hip Systems Are Not the Same
Trident® Ceramic Acetabular System
The Trident® Ceramic Acetabular System is a ceramic-on-ceramic implant system used to replace the "ball and socket" joint of a hip when a total hip replacement is performed for patients suffering from arthritis or related conditions. Unlike conventional hip implants, the Trident® system utilizes alumina ceramic-on-ceramic surfaces rather than metal-on-plastic or metal-on-metal. Ceramic-on-ceramic components have demonstrated significantly lower wear versus the conventional metal-on-plastic or metal-on-metal systems in the laboratory; therefore, it is anticipated that these improved wear characteristics will extend the life of the implant.
Acetabular shell design is also important for long-term performance for the hip implants. The Trident® Ceramic System is a cementless system, which means that the implants are fixed to the bone through implant design and technique, rather than using bone cement. Additional technology such as Arc Deposition and Hydroxyapatite (HA) coating are an essential part of the shell design.
- Arc Deposition is a titanium metal coating process which is applied to the outer surface of the Trident® Acetabular Shell. It provides a roughened, textured surface on the acetabular shell, which helps provide initial fixation of the implant onto the bone.
- Hydroxylapatite (HA) is a naturally occurring substance that closely resembles natural bone mineral. Bone mineral stores the body's supply of calcium and phosphorus – two minerals critical to one's health. In fact, the two major components of HA are calcium and phosphorus – the predominant components of bone and tooth enamel. It's no wonder that the material is so biocompatible and has enjoyed great success in orthopaedic and dental applications for over two decades.
Benefits of the Trident® Ceramic Acetabular System
Potential to Wear Less, Last Longer
The insert and head of the Trident® System are both alumina ceramic, which
has demonstrated significantly lower wear versus conventional plastic-on-metal
or metal-on-metal joint systems in the laboratory. It is anticipated that the
improved wear characteristics of alumina ceramic will result in a longer lasting
implant.
Stronger than other ceramic inserts on the market
The Trident® Ceramic Acetabular System is a unique design that features
a patented titanium sleeve encapsulating the ceramic that is pre-assembled
to the alumina ceramic at the factory. The titanium sleeve increases the material
strength of the ceramic insert by 50% versus other ceramic inserts on the market.
Predictable performance
Ceramic-on-ceramic materials have behaved more predictably in the laboratory
than metal-on-metal devices. In addition, ceramic is an inert material that
does not raise the concerns of future biological consequences specific to
metal-on-metal designs that have been reported in the literature.
See the Device Labeling for a more complete summary of potential benefits and risks.
U.S. Clinical Study
Stryker initiated the first U.S. Clinical Study of contemporary ceramic-on-ceramic hip replacements in 1996. The clinical study includes over 1,500 hip surgeries at 16 Centers in the United States.
Range of motion (ROM) of the Trident® Ceramic System
Many patients may be concerned that the ROM in their hip will be limited following total hip replacement. They want to regain sufficient motion so that they can return to everyday activities such as climbing stairs, sitting or bending to tie their shoelaces without concern for dislocation. Although there are many factors that will influence your range of motion, the Trident® Ceramic System is designed to accommodate the range of motion of a normal, healthy hip joint. An increased ROM may minimize the risk of hip dislocation.