Abstract
We characterized the surface structure of 21 retrieved femoral ICLH cups, as an indirect measure of surface damage, with an optical scanner specially developed for surface roughness measurements. 3 unused cups were measured and served as controls. The mean insertion time was 10 (5–15) years. 5 areas on each cup were measured, 1 on the top and 4 at the edge. The mean value of 3 different, commonly used, surface roughness parameters was calculated for the edge measurements. We found no correlation between the surface topography and clinical patient data such as age, body-weight, head-shaft angle, implantation time and wear of the polyethylene socket.