Hip WearWear occurs as a result of the movement of the femoral head against the polyethylene and very small shards of material are released every step. These particles often are very small in the region of a micron or less and the material is taken up by cells called macrophages and over time when enough material is accumulated the cells are essentially overloaded with release of various chemicals (cytokines) which cause secondary affects on the bone and can be associated with loosening (picture of a worn socket). | |
