Low-Temperature Degradation of Zirconia and Implications for Biomedical Implants

This review describes the mechanisms responsible for low-temperature degradation (LTD) of zirconia ceramics and its detrimental consequences for biomedical devices. Special emphasis is given to the critical issue of zirconia degradation actually observed for hip prostheses. Experimental methods to accurately measure and predict LTD in a given zirconia ceramic are presented. Different solutions to inhibit LTD or at least reduce its kinetics are reviewed, with the objective of highlighting alternative options for the generation of new zirconia-based biomedical ceramic devices.