In this study, a novel heterodyne fringe projection technique was introduced for evaluation of volumetric wear in acetabular insert retrievals. Four historical, gamma irradiated in air, ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) and eight heat-stabilized Duration™ UHMWPE acetabular liner retrievals were collected during consecutive revision surgeries. Average implantation times were 18.0 years (range: 14 to 21.3 years) and 13.2 years (range: 4.3 to 18.5 years) for the historical and Duration™ cohorts, respectively. The acetabular retrievals were scanned with the use of a structured white light three-dimensional scanner to a volumetric resolution of 75 µm. After generating point clouds and stereolitography models for each retrieval, worn areas were identified and volumetric wear data was computed using three-dimensional metrology software. A never-implanted acetabular liner was included in the study to serve as a control. Direct linear femoral penetration assessments were also conducted to validate the present volumetric wear results. Historical acetabular inserts exhibited an average volumetric wear rate of 66 mm³/year, whereas Duration™ stabilized retrievals had an average volumetric wear rate of 38 mm³/year, about 40 % lower. Volumetric wear results and linear penetration measurements were linearly correlated (p < 0.0001; R² = 0.95). The fringe projection technique presented here was found to be applicable and suitable to evaluate the volumetric wear of retrieved acetabular liners of historical designs. This method appears promising for evaluating the wear of modern UHMWPE formulations in total joint replacements.