61 patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty were randomized to receive either a highly cross-linked polyethylene liner or conventional polyethylene liner to determine if there was a difference in long-term wear between the two. Patients were followed-up for a minimum of 8 years for radiographic analysis of femoral head penetration. The results after a minimum of 8 years indicated that a significantly less penetration of the femoral head occurred in patients who had received the highly cross-linked polyethylene liner, and that the wear rate of the cross-linked polyethylene liner was significantly lower than the conventional polyethylene liner.