53. What are squeaking noises?

ALL ABOUT SQUEAKING NOISES. Also called peeping, called by Dr.De Smet the “peepcreep”. The squeaking noises are produced due to a temporary lack of lubrication, a dry running of the metal-on-metal prosthesis. . It sounds as a non-lubricated creaking hinge of a door. The duration of the noise is normally less then 24 hours, and a one-time incidence. It starts when the patient has an increase or change in activities. Stair climbing always generates or increases the noise. (Possible provoking activities: mountain climbing, mountain walking, chopping wood,…) It does not occur any more 2 years after surgery. Two year is the time interval that equals the running in period of a metal-on-metal friction couple. Running in means that the prosthesis is polishing itself. Immediately after surgery, the lubricant (lubrication film) between the 2 components of the prosthesis is blood. This will change to serum with our own proteins after a while. The percentage of patients where squeaking noises appear is about 1.5%. It is a benign incident that goes away spontaneously and do not need any panic. (let it know to your surgeon for statistical reasons!).

Last Updated ( Wednesday, 30 August 2006 )

 

< Prev		Next >