Are asymmetric metal markings on the cone surface of ceramic femoral heads an indication of entrapped debris?

Table 1 Test configurations

Type of test	Purpose of test	Recorded data
Static axisymmetric test (0°)	Investigation of metal markings for an axial force of 20 and 46 kN.	• Pull-off force
acc. ISO 7206–10 w/o contaminants (Figure 2)		• Metal marking
Cyclic axisymmetric test (0°)	Investigation of metal markings for an axial peak force of 14 kN.	• Pull-off force
Cyclic axisymmetric test (0°)		• No. of load cycles
w/ and w/o contaminants (Figure 2)		• No. of load cycles
w/ and w/o contaminants (Figure 2)		• Metal marking
Cyclic asymmetric test (40°)	Investigation of metal markings for an axial peak force of 4 and 8 kN.	• Pull-off force
w/ and w/o contaminants (Figure 3)		• No. of load cycles
w/ and w/o contaminants (Figure 3)		• Metal marking

ISSN: 1475-925X