The use of white light interferometry to characterize wear in short term retrieved highly crosslinked UHMWPE liners

White light interferometry is a novel way to measure the surface topology of retrieved orthopedic acetabular liners. This method is used to compare and characterize the degree of wear seen on the articulating surface of the implants. Surface data is divided into waviness (machine marks) or roughness (wear). Our findings highlight the importance of quantitative techniques such as white light interferometry for distinguishing between initial and in vivo generated surface morphology.