Mechanical properties of calcia stabilized zirconia following in vivo and in vitro aging

Aging studies were done on calcia stabilized zirconia rods of 72% theoretical density to determine the effect of actual and simulated biological environments on their strength. They were aged without stress in vitro in Ringer's solution for 1, 2 and 4weeks or in vivo in rabbits for 12 weeks. Rods aged in vitro showed mean losses in bending strength of 16, 17 and 19% respectively after 1, 2 and 4 weeks of immersion, while those aged in vivo showed a mean loss of 25%. It was concluded that the material tested would be unsatisfactory as an orthopedic replacement because of the rapid decrease in strength which occurred when exposed to actual or simulated biological media.