Uncertainty evaluation of volumetric wear assessment from coordinate measurements of ceramic hip joint prostheses

Replaced hip joints are normally expected to last 15–20 years. However, although the procedure is nowadays successfully performed, up to 10% of procedures carried out are revision operations to replace joints, which have failed prematurely, mainly in case of polymeric or metallic bearing surfaces. In fact, particulate debris, generated by wear of the bearing surfaces, are “attacked” by the immune system which results in the death of surrounding bone tissue which in turn leads to loosening of the joint and pain to the patient. All-ceramic hip replacements were introduced to eliminate this mechanism and reduce wear.