Does metal transfer affect the tribological behaviour of femoral heads? Roughness and phase transformation analyses on retrieved zirconia and Biolox® Delta composites

Although metal transfer (MTR) has been observed in total hip replacement, little is known about its effects on the wear phenomena of bearing surface materials. This study was aimed at investigating the effects of MTR on the bearing surface of zirconia and Biolox® Delta ceramic femoral heads, to identify prevalent surface patterns and morphologies as well as to evaluate possible phase changes upon MTR, assessing the monoclinic zirconia content...