A Medical Mystery: Artificial Hips that Squeak

International Herald Tribune ^ | 5/11/2008 | Barnaby J. Feder

[Dr. Scarpetta]

Some patients squeak even they are walking normally, like O'Toole or Michael Mueller, a software executive in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Mueller is so frustrated with squeaks, pain and popping noises for which he blames his ceramic hip that he has displayed his problem on YouTube.

[mgc1122]

It’s a good thing he wasn’t getting an artificial seal for the rear end ...

[Dr. Scarpetta]

Anatomy of a Squeak

http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2008/05/09/business/20080511_SQUEAK_GRAPHIC.html#step1

Scroll down the page and click on the video ‘Squeaking in Action.’

[LIConFem]

My hips aren't fake, and they still squeak, crackle and pop.

So do my knees, in fact.

[Dr. Bogus Pachysandra]

WD-40 and duct tape. That’ll fix ‘em up!

[mollynme]

If they don't like the noise, they should talk with heart valve recipients who have the artificial valves that click with each beat. Now that would drive me nuts!

[Dr. Scarpetta]

http://www.youtube.com/user/mikemuelleraz

a demonstration of Mike Mueller walking with his squeaky hip replacement...

[Dr. Scarpetta]

*Ping

[Eccl 10:2]

Easy fix.

[Reagan is King]

"It can interrupt sex when my wife starts laughing," said one man, who discussed the matter on the condition that he not be named.

One of those side effects you just don't think about, lol. Just another lawyer goldmine coming I suppose.

[Dr. Bogus Pachysandra]

That is sooo messed-up! As someone who has worked with machines (and pedal steel guitars) for most of my life, I hear that kinda noise from a machine, I know it’s gonna fail soon!

[AngelesCrestHighway]

There is something amiss here,”

Oh really, Captain Obvious?

[jacquej]

My beloved fell a few weeks back, and ended up with a partial hip replacement. I think his is stainless steel.

Should we worry?

[techcor]

"It can interrupt sex when my wife starts laughing,"

Why? It never interrupts me.

[duckbutt]

Oh my, I can’t imagine. My aritificial hip is doing fine —it’s all titanium. I wonder if the problem is with the ceramic, or if its a matter of not getting enough “joint juice” in there.

I would hate to think it would fail or worse yet, freeze up. He needs to see his Orthopedic surgeon ASAP.

[AngelesCrestHighway]

“It can interrupt sex when my wife starts laughing....”

No sympathy from the wife....Honey can we squeak tonight?

[Kimmers]

I know an orthopedist that wrote an article 10 years ago that ceramic hips and knees are not any good and should not be used in implants.

It really ticked off one of his partners and friends who were promoting and using ceramic hips. They also made big bucks from their promotions.... hmmmmm

[neverdem]

Thanks for the ping.

[LSAggie]

My beloved fell a few weeks back, and ended up with a partial hip replacement. I think his is stainless steel. Should we worry?

Probably not. My understanding is that a partial hip replacement means that the surgeon replaced the "ball" of the hip joint but the original socket the ball fits into remains. Mine lasted 16 years before I had to have a full hip replacement after a fall on ice. I believe they do a partial if the break is up in the "neck" of the joint, in between the ball and the length of the leg.

Let me check out a link for a hip replacement support group and I'll freepmail it to you, if it's still around.

[Dacus943]

"My beloved fell a few weeks back, and ended up with a partial hip replacement. I think his is stainless steel. Should we worry?"

I have two artificial hips installed in this old body. They were made by an AMERICAN Company Biomet. Got the Metal on Metal versions that will last longer than I will live.

One hip was replaced in 2000, and that replacement shows no appreciable wear. The other hip was done 2005 right after Katrina. I walked out of Turo hospital 4 days after the surgery, and was back at work 2 weeks later.

If your beloved has an appliance made by Biomet - quit worrying!

http://www.biomet.com/patients/m2a_magnum.cfm