A bearing surface having increased wear resistance. Generally, certain aspects of the present invention are directed to an implant design based on concepts of unidirectional load application and the use of engineered surfaces to increase the amount of lubricant at the bearing surface, to thereby reduce wear of the bearing surface. Surfaces of certain bearing surface embodiments are fabricated to maximize lubricant retention, encourage lubricant entrainment, and/or restrict lubricant escape from the bearing surface. Preferably, when used in orthopedic applications, such bearing surfaces are optimized based on the unique characteristics of human biomechanical loading.
