A telemetry system for the detection of hip prosthesis loosening by vibration analysis

This paper proposes a system for the detection of hip prosthesis loosening by means of a vibration analysis technique. Although this technique has bee n adapted before, the novelty presented here lies in the fact that the moni toring is done inside the prosthesis itself, offering better measurement re sults. Thus, an implantable monitoring system is required, involving low po wer consumption and miniaturization. Monitoring is done by a miniature, cap acitive accelerometer. The monitoring system is equipped with a telemetric link, to provide data transmission from the implant to a PC, where the data are analyzed. The system is powered inductively, since it is intended for long-term implantation. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.