Processing and analysis of signals for diagnosing the condition of a hip joint endoprosthesis

One of the problems associated with hip arthroplasty is that the endoprosthesis is subjected to significant mechanical loads, which can lead to its destruction. Revision surgeries aimed at determining the condition of the prosthesis are complex and expensive, in addition, they are asso-ciated with the need for the patient to arrive at a medical facility and be hospitalized. An approach to diagnosing a hip endoprosthesis during the patient's normal life is proposed, based on the analysis of vibration and sound oscillations taken from the body surface using a device developed for this purpose based on a three-axis accelerometer. The device for recording vibration and sound oscillations has small dimensions and weight, is fixed on the ilium and practically does not limit the patient's movements during signal recording. The signals are recorded in digital form on a memory card, which, after measurements are taken, can be removed from the device and used to transfer the recording to a computer for processing and analysis. Analysis of the records of signals obtained experimentally allowed to identify signs of various defects (partial abrasion of the polyethylene liner, complete abrasion of the liner and loosening of the prosthesis stem in the area of its attachment to the femur). Statistics are proposed for making a decision when testing hypotheses about the presence/absence of these defects. The results of the experiments are presented.