Although in widespread use in certain centers abroad,alternative bearing surfaces are currently in the developmental orearly clinical stage in the United States. There are numerousmanufacturing, regulatory, scientific, and clinical issues thatneed to be carefully examined prior to the widespread introductionof these devices. STP 1346 reflects the discussion of these issuesin the context of relevant standards development.

18 peer-reviewed papers written by members of industry,academia, clinical practice, and the regulatory and standardscommunities are presented in four sections: Wear Testing (2papers); • Metal-on-Metal Bearings (9 papers); • Ceramic Bearings(4 papers); • and Alternative Polymeric Bearings (3 papers).