Wheeless' Textbook of Orthopaedics Main Menu Home Page Characteristics of metal and ceramic total hip bearing surfaces and their effect on long-term ultra high molecular weight polyethylene wear.
Polyethylene wear from the metal head and debris formation are two common types of wear.
These processes can contribute to metal ion release and a gradual increase in the roughness of the metal surfaces. In addition, they provide a more wettable surface, further minimizing polyethylene wear relative to metal surfaces.