Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for orthopedic implant assessment. A method includes characterizing wear of an orthopedic implant including measuring a dimension in a direction that defines a path that passes through an articulating surface of a wear element of the orthopedic implant using at least one thickness sensor. An apparatus includes an orthopedic implant including a wear element having an articulating surface; and at least one thickness sensor coupled to the wear element, the at least one thickness sensor measuring a dimension in a direction that defines a path that passes through the articulating surface of the wear element. A method includes characterizing forces within an orthopedic implant including using a plurality of individually addressable pressure sensors including measuring parasitic impedance between at least two of the plurality of individually addressable pressure sensors.