Revision hip arthroplasty for ceramic-on-ceramic squeaking hips does not compromise the results.

Squeaking is a complication that may occur after ceramic-on-ceramic total hip arthroplasty (THA) that can be intolerable enough for some patients to seek revision THA. This prospective case series of 11 hips is the first to report on the results of these patients. All patients underwent isolated head and liner exchange to a metal-on-highly cross-linked polyethylene using the direct lateral approach. Mean age was 45.5 years, and body mass index was 30.0 kg/m(2). Hips were revised at an average of 40.1 months postindex THA. Retrieval analysis showed 7 of 7 liners/heads with edge loading wear and 5 of 7 liners with signs of neck-rim impingement. Short Form-36 mental dimension, Western Ontario McMaster Osteoarthritis Index, and Harris Hip Score (HHS) showed a statistically significant improvement (P < .05). All squeaking was eliminated after revision THA. There were no morbidities or complications after the revision surgery rendering isolated head-and-liner exchange to a metal-on-highly cross-linked polyethylene a relatively benign procedure. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.