The effect of clearance and wear on the contact pressure of metal on polyethylene hip prostheses

► We develop a numerical model to evaluate contact pressure, friction, and wear of total hip prostheses. ► The contact pressure is determined without an a priori known distribution law. ► The wear of acetabular cup modifies the joint clearance. ► For higher loads, the peak contact pressure migrates towards prosthesis edge. ► For low friction, it is better to have large head diameters and joint clearances.