An orthopedic prosthesis comprising a first component having a soft metal
bearing surface and a second component having a hard metal bearing
surface, in particular a hip prosthesis comprising a spherical bearing
member, a femoral stem, and a modular neck configured for interposition
between the spherical bearing member and the stem, together with an
acetabular implant having a concave bearing surface configured for
articulation with the spherical bearing member. One of the spherical
bearing member and the concave bearing surface comprises a soft metal
bearing surface, the soft metal bearing surface having a hardness of at
least about 20 Rc, while the other one of the spherical bearing member
and the concave bearing surface comprises a hard metal bearing surface,
the hard metal bearing surface having a hardness greater than the soft
metal bearing surface by at least about 15 Rc.