We have explored the tissue localization of extracellular matrix metalloproteinases MMP-1 (fibroblast collagenase), MMP-2 (72-kDa gelatinase/Type IV collagenase), MMP-3 (stromelysin), MMP-8 (polymorphonuclear leukocyte collagenase) and MMP-9 (92-kDa gelatinase/Type IV collagenase) in the tissues around loose hip prostheses. The findings were compared with those in synovial tissues obtained from patients with a fractured femoral neck. MMP-type specific antisera were applied in the sensitive avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex methods. MMP-1 was found in monocyte/macrophages, fibroblasts, and vascular endothelial cells in both interface tissues between bone and acetabular components and the pseudocapsular tissues obtained from loosening of hip prostheses. In these tissues, MMP-8 was occasionally found, but only in polymorphonuclear leukocytes. Cells showing immunoreactivity to 72- and 92-kDa gelatinase/Type IV collagenase, MMP-2 and MMP-9, respectively, and stromelysin, MMP-3, were abundant in both interface and pseudocapsular tissues in loose hip prostheses. In contrast, in hip fractures, immunoreactivity to MMP-1, 2, 3, and 9 was weak and only observed in synovial tissues. Immunoreactivity to MMP-8 was confined to polymorphonuclear leukocytes attached to the synovial membrane or in the infiltrate around blood vessels in the subsynovial connective tissues. The finding of MMP-1, 2, 3, and 9 in the tissues around loose hip prostheses suggests that they play a role in the weakening of connective tissues, and this leads to loosening.