Ceramic-on-Ceramic Total Hip Arthroplasty: I Can Hear You

Squeaking is a known complication of ceramic-on-ceramic (CoC) total hip arthroplasty (THA), yet there is a lack of studies specifically quantifying its loudness. The aims of this study were: (1) to determine the incidence of squeaking in CoC THAs at long-term follow-up; (2) to identify risk factors; and (3) to quantify the loudness of the squeaking.

A specifically designed prospective questionnaire was used to determine the prevalence, characteristics, and loudness of squeaking in 130 (110 patients) primary THAs with fourth-generation CoC bearings at a mean follow-up of 10.5 years. The loudness of the squeaking was determined by the decibel (dB) scale from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Overall, 28% of the CoC hips experienced squeaking. The mean onset was 5.7 years postoperatively, with 39% of the cases having their onset more than 5 years after their THA. Patients with a lower body mass index were more likely to report squeaking (P = .009). The mean loudness of the squeak was 35 dB (range, 10-70 dB) and was loud in 36% of the hips. Patients who developed squeaking early postoperatively had louder squeaking than those with a later onset (P = .007). The loudness of the squeaking sound progressed in 25% of the cases, and these hips had louder squeaking (P = .04).

Squeaking after CoC THA is not uncommon, can be relatively loud, and increases over time. This needs to be considered in young patients that are candidates for CoC THAs.