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Updated: Jul 7, 2026

Biotribological Testing and Analysis of Articular Cartilage Sliding against Metal for Implants
Published on: May 14, 2020
Biological response to common surface bearings used in orthopaedics
Guillaume Mabilleau1, Hemant Pandit, Riyaz H Jinnah
1Nuffield Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Oxford, UK. guillaume.mabilleau@ndos.ox.ac.uk
Abstract:
Wear particles are the most important cause of aseptic loosening of orthopaedic devices. To reduce the amount of particles generated from the conventional metal-on-polyethylene system, alternative bearings have been introduced. However, there are some concerns about so-called "adverse reactions" to these bearing surfaces. Despite an apparent longevity, metal particles and metal ions released from the prosthesis can induce a series of adverse reactions. The purpose of this review is to provide the readers an up-to-date overview of the literature on the biological responses to different bearing surfaces with particular reference to metal-on-metal bearings and the local and systemic effect of metal ions.
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