Postoperative dislocation of total hip replacements has been documented to occur at a rate of approximately 2.4–3.9% [1–3]. Such events may result in the transfer of titanium from the acetabular cup to the femoral head, both during the dislocation and surgical reduction of the dislocated joint [3,4]. If the head is reduced with this transfer present, the joint life expectancy, which depends on articulating surfaces remaining smooth, is reduced [4]. Although the presence of metal transfer on retrieved femoral heads after dislocation is documented, no previous studies have attempted to quantify the forces or contact stresses at which metal transfer occurs.
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