Gouge features on metal-on-metal hip bearings can result from high stresses during rim contact

► Retrieved MoM hip heads commonly show discrete linear gouges on the bearing surface. ► The gouges are typically 250-1500 μm long, 25-75 μm wide, and 0.25-1 μm deep. ► Gouges are documented on eight different hip designs, 87% of devices in this study. ► Multiple gouges often appear in a nearly-parallel array. ► Computer modeling of head-rim contact predicts the gouge geometry observed.