In total hip replacement, the generally accepted explanation[1] for osteolysis involves wear particles (worn off the contact surface of the artificial ball and socket joint).
As the body attempts to clean up these wear particles (typically consisting of plastic or metal), it triggers an autoimmune reaction which causes resorption of living bone tissue.
[citation needed] Although osteolysis itself is clinically asymptomatic, it can lead to implant loosening or bone breakage, which in turn causes serious medical problems.
[2] Distal clavicular osteolysis (DCO) is often associated with problems weightlifters have with their acromioclavicular joints due to high mechanical stresses put on the clavicle as it meets with the acromion.
[3] Medical ultrasonography readily depicts resorption of the distal clavicle as irregular cortical erosions, whereas the acromion remains intact.