Titanium alloys are often used for hip, knee and other orthopaedic implant devices and typically require polyethylene interfaces to eliminate metallic particle wear debris. This paper discusses the development of a titanium matrix composite containing TiC particles in a matrix of titanium designed for metal-on-metal wear that does not require polyethylene interfaces. The composite has a wear resistance that cannot be obtained with current titanium alloys and that is comparable to high hardness steel. The manufacturing technology, properties and new applications of these composites are described. Military and industrial applications for these titanium composites containing titanium carbide or titanium boride are discussed. The current interest in, and potential advantages for orthopaedic devices are addressed. The status of an NIH sponsored investigation aimed at the development of highly wear resistant titanium composites for lumbar orthopaedic disc replacement is reviewed. The opportunity to evaluate these new materials for specific orthopaedic applications including knee and hip prosthesis is discussed.