Parker Waichman LLP

Reports of Squeaky Hip Implants Growing

More patients are complaining of squeaky hip replacement implants.  As recently as 2006, the American Association of Orthopedic Surgeons called the recently emerging hip squeaking phenomenon an “underreported medical trend that has stumped the medical community.”  “As a surgeon, hearing someone walk, hearing them squeak, it’s a little unsettling,” said Dr. Andy Star, chief of […]

More patients are complaining of <"https://www.yourlawyer.com/topics/overview/strykerhip">squeaky hip replacement implants.  As recently as 2006, the American Association of Orthopedic Surgeons called the recently emerging hip squeaking phenomenon an “underreported medical trend that has stumped the medical community.”  “As a surgeon, hearing someone walk, hearing them squeak, it’s a little unsettling,” said Dr. Andy Star, chief of orthopedics at Abington Memorial Hospital. “We are a little anxious about it and we honestly don’t know what to tell the patients.”

Other than going through a second major surgery, there are virtually no options for dealing with the squeaking that doctors are reporting among some patients who received ceramic hip replacements.  Reports of noisy joints following hip replacements were very rare before 2003 when the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first ceramic-on-ceramic implant for total hip replacements.

According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, about 235,000 total hip replacements were performed in 2005.  The surgery involves substituting deteriorated hip joints with plastic, metal, and ceramic materials that can either be used together or in different combinations.  Ceramic has been used in joint replacement surgery since the 1970s; modern medical grade ceramic is harder and scratch-resistant and lab tests indicate it produces less wear and tear and lasts longer.  Durability tends to be why total ceramic hips are popular among younger, more active patients.  Currently, no medical evidence links the noise to structural problems with the parts and patients complaining of noise report no pain or other physical problems with the implants.

Noise complaints are almost exclusively reported by patients with both ceramic ball and socket combinations and a 2006 study in the Journal of Arthroplasty found 10 out of 143 patients—seven percent—who underwent total ceramic hip replacement from 2003 to 2005 developed squeaking when walking, bending, and even during sexual activity.  Another 31 patients reported their new hips made other noises, such as popping and grinding.  No squeaks were reported among 48 patients who received hips made of metal and plastic.  And, some doctors say they’ve heard of no noise reports from patients with ceramic and plastic or metal combination implants.

Stryker Orthopaedics-manufactured Trident implants account for the majority of complaints and the FDA issued a warning to Stryker last year for manufacturing and quality problems with its ceramic hips, including squeaking.  Stryker maintains its product is safe and the FDA warning and a subsequent recall involving ceramic hip parts made at an Ireland plant were not related to squeaking, which it says occurs with less than one percent of its ceramic implants.

No one seems to be able to pinpoint the source of the squeaking; however, some believe decreased lubrication in the joint, mismatch of implant parts, and extreme flexing of the implants may be to blame.  Doctors who’ve removed the ceramic implants report evidence of accelerated wear, but durability tests do not indicate pending joint failure.

One study suggests that squeaking occurring when patients bend forward could be managed with different bending techniques.  For those who experience squeaking from walking, it seems a second surgery is the only option.

What Our Clients Say About Us
We have worked with thousands of clients and we appreciate them and their positive reviews. Here are just a few recent client reviews...
5 Star Reviews 150
Everyone I have been in contact with has been very professional, helpful and friendly. I'm sure it will be the same moving forward. Thank you.
Linda Mierisch
6 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Parker Waichman was extremely professional and helpful in handling our WTC case. Benita Rollis, in particular, was amazing in helping us complete all the necessary steps and paper work for our claim. She was always quick to return phone calls and reach out to keep us posted on how things were progressing. Not only was Benita efficient and professional, she was also very compassionate in helping us through the emotional side of this long process. Carolyn Corcoran & Family
Robert Harris
a year ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Gina Viti could not have been more professional and responsive at a most difficult time.
Colleen Clark
3 years ago

Why Choose Us to Help You?

We Take Care of Everything
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
No Recovery = No Legal Fees
We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that we only get paid from a portion of your settlement or jury award. If you don't get compensation, you owe us nothing.
Decades of Experience
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
Respected by Our Peers
Judges, insurance adjusters, and fellow attorneys all speak highly of our skills, and we've earned numerous accolades, including a flawless rating from AVVO.
We Have Many Locations To Serve You
We have the experience and the skilled litigators to win your case. Contact us and speak with a real attorney who can help you.
Long Island – Nassau
Parker Waichman LLP
6 Harbor Park Drive
Port Washington, NY 11050
Long Island – Suffolk
Parker Waichman LLP
201 Old Country Road – Suite 145
Melville, NY 11747
New York
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038
Queens
Parker Waichman LLP
118-35 Queens Boulevard, Suite 400
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Brooklyn
Parker Waichman LLP
300 Cadman Plaza West
One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
New Jersey
Parker Waichman LLP
80 Main Street, Suite 265
West Orange, NJ 07052
Florida
Parker Waichman LLP
27299 Riverview Center Boulevard
Suite 108
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Nationwide Service
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038