Investigations on Explanted Ceramic-Ceramic Couplings after Squeaking

Abstract

In the present investigation, three ceramic-ceramic-couplings (alumina - alumina) were examined for possible reasons of the squeaking noise which occurred after surgery. Under certain conditions like, for example, a suboptimal position of the implant and corresponding soft tissue relations, a subluxation or microseparation of the ceramic head from the ceramic liner may occur; this, in turn, may lead to a squeaking noise of the joint. Apart from the psychological stress for the patient due to the awkward noise and the resulting feeling of instability, the squeaking noise is a sign for damages on the implant in most cases.