Ball heads and joint sockets made of high performance ceramics have become increasingly important in the field of endoprosthetics. The materials is harder, more wear resistant and better tolerated by the body than metal or plastic. Now CeramTec AG has developed an improved material that it claims lasts longer than all materials previously used. Biolox Delta, a bioceramic material, combines the properties of ceramic and metal. It is extremely hard, wear resistant and well tolerated by the body and at the same time demonstrates good fracture toughness and flexural strength. The new material is suitable for a wide range of applications including artificial hips, knees and finger joints. The material consists of zirconium oxide particles added to a matrix of aluminium oxide ceramic. Chromium oxide is added for wear resistance. The platelet ceramic structure that this material possesses enables it to withstand loads of five tonnes.