Degradation of alumina and zirconia toughened alumina (ZTA) hip prostheses tested under microseparation conditions in a shock device

► In vitro wear stripes are close to ex vivo implants. ► Ageing and shocks have an impact on phase transformation of zirconia. ► An original method for calculating the wear volume, 3D profilometry, is suggested. ► Wear volumes are lower for ZTA.