A rare complication of ceramic-on-ceramic bearings in total hip arthroplasty

Each year, approximately 217000 primary total hip arthroplasties (THAs) are performed in the United States (National Center for Health Statistics, 2003). This number is expected to increase as our population ages, and the indication for THA expands to younger and more active patients. Efforts are continually being made to improve implant design and, ultimately, patient outcomes. One area in particular that has undergone tremendous change is bearing surface technology. Ceramic-on-ceramic technology has gained widespread popularity in young patients because of its improved wear characteristics and durability. Bearing surface advancement must be tempered with analysis of implant-specific complications. We report a case of an audible hip complication after the use of ceramic components in THA.