Methods and devices directed to surface treatment of implants are disclosed. In some instances, the surfaces are treated to have one or more characteristics that can impart low wear properties when the
implant is utilized in a subject. As one example, a metallic surface of an
implant can be treated to form pits in the surface, followed optionally by a
smoothing step to reduce the roughness of the pitted surface. A
plasma treatment can be used to form an
oxide-containing layer (e.g., highly
corrosion resistant and / or thick) on the surface. An
acid treatment can also be used as part of a process for forming an
oxide-containing layer. Other examples of method are also disclosed, along with characteristics of
implant surfaces that can exhibit low wear properties.