Artificial hip joints have historically simply replaced the geometrical architecture of the worn natural joints using materials that were known to be biocompatible and possessing low wear properties. More recently, the emphasis has been on more advanced tribological design in which the body's natural lubricant combined with improved surface technology conspire to produce fluid-film lubrication and consequently lower wear.
These advances make it possible for recipients to lead more active lives and to do so for a longer time without the increased risks of premature failure due to loosening caused by osteolytic action which itself can be the result of wear debris produced in walking.
In this paper, the future of the artificial joints is discussed from a point of view of improved tribological knowledge being utilized to improve the design of artificial hip joints.
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