Study reviews ceramic-on-ceramic hip replacements

The study was conducted by Dr. Todd Swanson and four of his colleagues. According to news reports, Swanson began implanting ceramic on ceramic hip replacements ten years ago using four different brands: 1) Plus Orthopedics, 2) Stryker Orthopedics, 3) Wright Medical and 4) Encore Orthopedics.

Swanson's group implanted 306 hip replacements from November 1999 to February 2007 and then followed up with approximately 86 percent of those patients to see whether their replacements squeaked.

Problem squeaking only associated with Stryker

Interviewers asked about the frequency and severity of squeaking as well as other factors. Regarding frequency, some replacement patients said that they experienced squeaks only occurred once per week, but others complained of daily squeaking. Regarding severity, some patients said that the squeaking was only audible to them, but others complained that the squeaking was so loud that it created social problems for them. Although four different brands were analyzed, problem squeaking was only associated with the Stryker Trident acetabular design. To listen to a sample of a squeaking Stryker hip, click here. To view results of the study which were presented at the 2009 American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) Annual Meeting., click here.

Product liability lawsuits mount

Product liability lawsuits have mounted against Michigan-based Stryker Corporation and New Jersey-based manufacturer Howmedica Osteonics Corporation who developed, manufactured, marketed and sold the hip implant sold under the name Stryker Trident Ceramic Acetabular System for the past ten years and legal experts say that more patients are likely to file lawsuits against the companies as studies like the one above become public.