A recent retrieval study on metal on metal problems was published in ASTM International: Clarke IC, Donaldson TK, Burgett MD, Smith EJ, Bowser J, Savisaar C, John A, Lezennec JY, McPherson E, Peters CL. 'Normal and Adverse Wear Patterns Created In-vivo on MOM Surfaces – a retrieval study of four implant types'
This study demonstrated that in vivo femoral wear patterns were similar to those produced in simulators, whereas wear patterns in retrieved cups were found to be more extensive than those produced in simulator tests. The consistency of the findings was thought to have implications for the design of all total hip arthroplasy bearings (ASTM International STP 1560 2013).