Hip Implant Monitoring through Combined Acoustic Emission and Gait Analysis

Abstract

Early diagnosis of total hip arthroplasty (THA) implant deterioration may allow proactive surgical intervention and improve patient outcomes. Acoustic Emission (AE) monitoring of THA implants utilizes ultrasonic receivers to record implant vibrations during dynamic patient motion [1]. These acoustic emissions can provide insight into implant failure modes and potentially be used as a diagnostic indicator for future patients.

This study aims to provide increased insight into the in-vivo condition of THA implants and develop a diagnostic tool to supplement existing diagnostic methods. Previous results have shown that audible THA AEs are likely induced by interactions at the implant’s main bearing interface as opposed to other interfaces such as the trunnion Morse taper [1,2]. Furthermore, this study also seeks to provide new insight by including gait analysis to better understand the implant failure mechanics.