[en] This paper describes how the observed mechanical properties of ceramic surfaces after ion implantation are related to the structural changes occurring in the surface, and presents a number of criteria designed to enable prediction of the mechanical property modifications that will ensue after implantation of a given substrate with a given ion. These include the application of a bond-type criterion to determine the amorphisation dose (amorphisation critically affecting mechanical properties) and an elasticity criterion to determine the maximum likely implantation induced surface stress. (author)