New diagnostic methods to detect loosened hip arthroplasties (A03)

• Subject Area: Orthopaedics, Traumatology, Reconstructive Surgery ; Measurement Systems ; Primary Shaping and Reshaping Technology, Additive Manufacturing
• Term: since 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 426335750

The aim of this subproject is the innovative integration of two non-invasive detection approaches: acoustic emission (AE) analysis to detect interface-specific micromotions and ion mobility spectrometry (with electrospray ionization (ESI-IMS) or pyrolysis (Py-GC-IMS)) to detect and differentiate between wear particles, biomolecular markers and bacteria. IMS sensitivity and specificity will be further increased through instrumental adaptations and enhanced data analysis, enabling investigation of real patient samples. AE and IMS data from in vitro and pilot studies will inform machine learning algorithms to classify different loosening scenarios.

• DFG Programme: CRC/Transregios
• Subproject of: TRR 298: Safety Integrated and Infection Reactive Implants
• Applicant Institution: Medizinische Hochschule Hannover
• Project Heads: Professor Dr.-Ing. Bernd-Arno Behrens, until 12/2025; Dr. Eike Jakubowitz; Professor Dr.-Ing. Stefan Zimmermann