Factors contributing to orthopaedic implant wear

Implant wear can be a major factor limiting the long-term survivorship of a medical implant. Wear results in degradation of the implant surface, which can ultimately lead to the failure of the implant or an adverse response to the wear particles. To reduce the type, quantity and rate of wear, an understanding of the factors contributing to the wear process is needed. These factors can be categorized as implant-specific (materials, designs), manufacturing, surgical and patient-related. In reality, a number of factors are likely to occur simultaneously. The aim of this chapter is to characterize each of these factors.