Squeaking in ceramic-on-ceramic hips: the importance of acetabular component orientation

J Arthroplasty. 2007 Jun;22(4):496-503. doi: 10.1016/j.arth.2006.06.018. Epub 2007 Mar 28.

Abstract

Audible squeaking in total hip replacements with ceramic-on-ceramic bearings is a rare problem. Acetabular component orientation was compared for 17 squeaking hips and 17 matched controls. Ninety-four percent of control hips were in a range of 25 degrees +/- 10 degrees anteversion and 45 degrees +/- 10 degrees inclination, but only 35% of squeaking hips were in this range (P = .0003). Eight hips squeak with bending. Four hips squeak with walking, and 5 hips squeak after prolonged periods of walking. Hips that squeaked with walking had acetabular components that were more anteverted (40 degrees ) than hips that squeaked with bending (19 degrees ) (P = .001) or prolonged walking (18 degrees ) (P = .020). The hips started squeaking after an average of 14 months. Patients with squeaking hips were younger, heavier, and taller than patients with silent hips.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Acetabulum
  • Adult
  • Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip / methods*
  • Ceramics
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Noise*
  • Osteoarthritis, Hip / surgery*
  • Prosthesis Design
  • Reoperation