Hip replacement surgery has helped millions of people regain mobility and live pain-free lives. But what are hip replacements made out of? Whether you're preparing for surgery or researching options, it's helpful to understand the materials used, how long they last, and why certain materials may be better for you.
At Orthopaedic Innovation, we offer advanced surgical care through our Kley Rapid Hip recovery programme, using only the highest-quality materials tailored to your body and lifestyle.
Understanding the Anatomy of a Hip Replacement
A total hip replacement typically consists of three main components:
- Femoral Stem (3) – inserted into the thigh bone (femur)
- Femoral Head (2) – the ball component that replaces the natural hip joint
- Acetabular Cup (1) – replaces the socket part of your hip (acetabulum)
These parts are engineered from specialised materials to replicate natural joint movement, reduce friction, and last for many years.
For a helpful overview, visit the NHS hip replacement guide1.
What Materials Are Used in Hip Replacements?
1. Metals: Titanium and Cobalt-Chrome
A common question we get is: Is titanium better than stainless steel for hip implants? The answer is yes. Titanium is more biocompatible, lightweight, and has a lower risk of corrosion than traditional stainless steel. Most modern femoral stems are made from titanium or cobalt-chrome alloys, both known for durability and strength.
- Titanium allows for bone ingrowth and long-term stability.
- Cobalt-chrome is harder and more wear-resistant, often used in the femoral head.
2. Ceramics: Smooth and Low-Friction
Many people ask: Which is better; ceramic or metal hip replacements? Ceramic-on-polyethylene combinations are increasingly favoured due to their low wear rate, reduced inflammation, and long-term performance.
- Ceramic femoral heads are very smooth and reduce wear on the socket.
- Ideal for younger, more active patients who want long-term outcomes.
3. Polyethylene: Durable Plastic Sockets
The socket component is typically made from highly cross-linked polyethylene (HXLPE) — a strong, durable plastic that resists wear and tear over decades of use.
- Significantly improved longevity over earlier plastic materials
- Works exceptionally well when paired with ceramic or metal femoral heads
Learn more about the various materials available from this Publication on Hip Implants2.
How Long Do Hip Replacement Materials Last?
Another frequently asked question is: How long do hip replacement materials last? With modern advances in materials, implants today can last 15 to 25 years, and in some cases, even longer.
Longevity depends on factors such as material type, surgical technique, and patient activity level.
Harvard Health3 offers data showing strong longevity in modern hip implants.
What Does Orthopaedic Innovation Use in the Kley Rapid Hip Replacement?
Our Kley Rapid Recovery Hip Replacement combines advanced materials with a minimally invasive approach, allowing many patients to walk within hours of surgery and return home the same day.
All hip replacements are made of multiple parts and with so many combinations, they are effectively bespoke for every patient. We create them by using a specialised X-ray as part of the patient’s pre assessment, which allows us to digitally trial surgery; figuring out the exact hip replacement needed.
The parts are as follows:
- Titanium femoral stems (11 sizes)
- Titanium shell cup (46mm - 68mm)
- Liners and Neck are also different shapes/length
- Plastic cup with a ceramic head
This combination provides outstanding performance with low risk of complications.
Learn more about our approach on the Kley Rapid Hip page.
What Are the Best Hip Replacement Materials for Me?
The best material for your hip replacement depends on several personal factors, including:
- Age
- Activity level
- Bone quality
- Allergies or sensitivities to metals
If you're wondering, "Is ceramic better than metal for hip replacements?" The answer depends on your individual needs. Titanium is one of the most commonly used metals in hip replacements due to its biocompatibility, strength, and excellent performance with bone integration. It’s often used for the implant stem and socket components.
Ceramic materials, known for their durability and low wear rates, may be used in the ball or liner portion of the implant, especially for younger or more active patients.
Our consultants will assess your unique needs and recommend the most suitable combination to ensure the best long-term outcome.
Get Expert Advice on Your Hip Replacement Options
At Orthopaedic Innovation, our world-class surgical team includes Professor Adrian Wilson and Doctor Kristian Kley, who bring decades of experience in joint preservation and minimally invasive techniques.
We are proud to use the highest-grade tailor made materials in our Kley Rapid Hip replacement to ensure faster recovery, fewer complications, and outstanding long-term results.
We invite you to have a chat with our team to discuss exactly what implant we can develop for your hip.
1https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/hip-replacement/what-is-a-hip-replacement/
2https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/hip-implant
3How long will my hip or knee replacement last? - Harvard Health
