Influence of Different Damage Patterns of the Stem Taper on Fixation and Fracture Strength of Ceramic Ball Heads for Total Hip Replacement.

The results suggest that careful handling and accurate manufacturing of the stem taper are crucial for the ceramic head fracture strength, even though a mild damage showed no significant influence on taper stability. Moreover, our data indicate that a further seating of the prosthetic head may occur during daily activities, when the resulting hip force increases the assembly load.