TUESDAY, Feb. 04 (HealthScoutNews) -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the first ceramic-on-ceramic hip replacement, which its manufacturer says will absorb more wear and tear than traditional metal and metal/polyethylene systems.

U.S. clinical trials on the Trident Ceramic Acetabular System began in 1996 and involved more than 1,100 people at 16 sites, says manufacturer Stryker Howmedica Osteonics. The device was developed for "younger and more active patient populations who have demonstrated higher wear rates with conventional implants," according to one of the clinical trials' lead investigators.

The product will be available in the United States in the second quarter of 2003, the company says.

Here is the company announcement of the FDA approval. For more information about hip replacement, visit the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.