Biomaterial failure.

One conclusion that might be drawn from a review of the role of biomaterial failure in total hip arthroplasty is that the fracture, wear, and corrosion of materials often serve as the primary causes of failure of hip replacements. It is not yet possible, however, to conclude the prevalence or time course of these failures. We need to gain more knowledge about the properties of orthopedic biomaterials and the loading to which they are subjected during function. Judicious design and implementation of prostheses can serve to extend the serviceable life of an arthroplasty even with ongoing fracture, wear, and corrosion of biomaterials.