Sensors and imaging methods for detecting loosening of orthopedic implants — A review

This paper presents sensors and imaging methods for the detection of orthopedic hip implants loosening. Within orthopedic surgical practice one of the major applications is the reconstructive joint replacement. The hip is used to be the most replaced joint. Although considered an excellent surgical procedure, it can be complicated by implant particle-induced osteolysis (bone resorption) followed by loosening of the implant. Techniques used to assess the loosening of the hip implant involve imaging methods as well as sensors used to characterize the bone-implant interface. Implants with integrated sensors have the potential to raise the specificity and sensitivity of the diagnostics of implant loosening.