Pioneering biocompatible glass ceramics are set to revolutionise hip joint implants

Other partners in the project include Innovation Centre Iceland (ICI) Politecnico di Torino (POLITO-Project Coordinator-C. Vitale Brovarone), Asociacion de investigation metalurgica del noroeste (AIMEN) and Centre CIM Fundacio Privada (FCIM).

Experts across the partnership have developed MATCh: Monoblock Acetabular cup with Trabecular-like Coating, which is designed to improve wear rate, allow a wider range of prostheses sizes and promote less trauma during surgical implantation. The project is now bringing new osteoinductive coatings and scaffolds to market (www.match-euproject.com).

Martyn Marshall (Principal Technologist, Glass Melting and Development) Glass Technology Services Ltd, said:

“Currently, replacement hip joints fit into cups which are housed in metal backs, which have a high risk of relative mobility, wear of the cup and potential damage to the pelvis. The Monoblock ceramic cup anchors to the bone through a bioactive trabecular coating, glazed on all its surfaces.

“Ceramic-on-ceramic coupling has very low wear rate, gives a greater choice of prostheses sizes and involves less trauma in surgery. MATCh aims to develop prototypes which can accelerate osteointegration and avoid aseptic loosening due to wear, relative mobility and bone damage.  This will radically improve the efficiency and longevity of hip joint operations.”

Glass Technology Services Ltd provides analysis, consultancy, testing and research and development support to all parts of the glass supply chain – from raw materials to the end consumer. GTS prides itself on its confidentiality and independence and is accredited to ISO:9001, 14001 and 17025 standards. For more information please visit www.glass-ts.com, email enquiries@glass-ts.com or telephone +44 (0) 114 290 1801.

Further Resources

• Project Details - MATCh - Monoblock Acetabular cup with Trabecular-like Coating;




• Research and Development - GTS Projects Portfolio;




• Services - Innovation, Research and Development;




• Services - Biomaterial Analysis;




• Services - Glass Property Measurement;




• Services - Composition Analysis;




• Article - RESTORATION - GTS helps create new generation of joint and bone treatments.