Feasibility of Vibration Arthrometry in Hip Arthroplasty: A Review

Background. In recent years, the attention of researchers to the diagnostic method based on acoustic or vibration emission (arthrometry) has increased. The method makes it possible to detect destructive changes in the bearing components of endoprosthesis, thereby predicting their early loosening and taking appropriate preventive measures. The aim of the review is to analyse the degree of development of vibration arthrometry methods and its role in identifying early (pre-radiological) signs of loosening of endoprosthesis components and destructive changes in them (adverse events) after hip arthroplasty. Methods. The information was searched in eLIBRARY, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Crossref electronic databases in Russian and English. The search was performed using the following keywords: acoustic emission, vibration arthrography, vibration arthrometry, hip joint, arthroplasty. The depth of the search: from 1990 to March 2024. Results. A total of 34 literature sources were selected. None of the studied technologies was included in the number of generally accepted medical studies, since all have significant limitations, such as dependence on the density of soft tissues surrounding the endoprosthesis, the unresolved issue of the sensors location. Also, most of the technologies have not been tested in vivo, which would show their real potential for subsequent integration into the medical system. Nevertheless, most experimental studies have demonstrated a positive result in the diagnosis of loosening, destruction of the cement mantle and endoprosthesis components. Conclusions. The advantage of vibration arthrometry as an independent diagnostic method is that it confirms loosening of endoprosthesis components, destruction of the cement mantle and ceramics at early stages before radiographic manifestations of ongoing processes.