Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in trauma and orthopaedic practice

In 1971, Boutin introduced the concept of an alumina-on-alumina bearing in total hip replacement and emphasised polyethylene wear as the major limitation of a metal-onpolyethylene articulation.1,2 This was further confirmed by Willert, Bertram and Buchorn. 3 Many pioneers from around the world followed this initial experience but long-term results and good methodology were lacking.Recently, a number of reports 4-6 have focused attention again on an alumina-on-alumina combination.More than 30 years after its introduction into clinical practice, this article considers the current information on the alumina-on-alumina combination from both experimental and clinical standpoints.