ABSTRACT
Approximately 250,000 total hip arthroplasties are performed in the United States each year. The operation has noted uniform excellent long-term success rates. This has led to an expansion of the indications for hip arthroplasty. Younger patients, with more active lifestyles, are undergoing this surgery. Elderly patients are living longer and, continuing to be active longer. These factors place increased demand on the bearing surface of implants. They are forced to withstand more and more gait cycles. Wear is related to the number of gait cycles. More cycles equals more wear (1).
