Retrieved Magnesia-Stabilized Zirconia Femoral Heads Exhibit Minimal Roughening and Abrasive Potential.

Background: The degradation of ceramic femoral heads made of yttria-stabilized zirconia (Y-TZP) because of tetragonal-to-monoclinic phase transformation in vivo is well-described, whereas magnesia-stabilized zirconia (Mg-PSZ) ceramics resist phase transformation in a warm aqueous environment. The purpose of this study was to evaluate phase transformation, changes in surface topography, and roughness parameters, including changes in surface polarity and abrasiveness, among retrieved zirconia femoral heads.

Methods: A total of 69 Y-TZP and 86 Mg-PSZ-retrieved femoral heads were examined, with 5 never-implanted heads of each type as controls.