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I have a squeaking hip thanks to my new ceramic hip replacement. It doesn't hurt but it's very annoying. Can anything be done about this?

The type of materials used in hip replacements seems to make a difference in problems such as squeaking. Ceramic implants have the highest incidence of squeaking.

But squeaking happens with other types of implants. It may not be the material as much as it is the design of the implant. Researchers from the manufacturers of the implants and surgeons are working together to find the cause and solution to the problem.

In the meantime, that doesn't help you with your squeaking problem. There are some patients who find over time that the squeaking goes away. It's possible that the surface gets worn down enough to improve the fit of the joint. We don't know yet how to predict who might benefit from time.

Some patients decide to have a second operation to revise the implant. The surgeon makes sure the component parts are not mismatched. Any evidence of impingement (pinching) of the implant is corrected.

Since you are not having any painful symptoms or loss of function, you may want to try the test of time first. Consult with your surgeon early on so that no delays occur later if you decide to have a revision operation.

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