A bioceramic endoprosthesis for the replacement of the proximal humerus.

In patients with malignant tumors in the region of the shoulder, radical resection can avoid amputation in most instances. To improve the function of the arm, endoprosthetic replacement of the defect is desirable. A three-component endoprosthesis made of a bioceramic material (aluminium oxide) was designed, implanted without bone cement.

Extracortical attachment of bioceramic endoprostheses to long bones without bone cement.

Dense, highly pure A12O3 ceramic not only shows excellent wear resistance and tissue biocompatibility, but also has sufficient mechanical strength for loaded endoprostheses. The necessary diameter size of the material to sustain adequate shear stresses can be achieved, if the endoprosthesis is attached extracortically to the conically truncated long bone according to the principle of the conical sleeve. Extracortical attachment of the endoprosthesis causes minor nutritive damage since long bones derive their vascular supply mainly from the medullary cavity.