A Method for Advanced Testing of Bone Implant Materials with Acoustic Emission (AE)

Osseointegration is the main criterion for implantation success and remains a major challenge during implant development and patient treatment. Since conventional testing does not allow for accurate identification of implant loosening, we developed a new test stand where acoustic emission analysis is applied to the push-out testing process. This allows for more accurate data on implant loosening with similar loading conditions. This study investigates the interaction of mechanical behavior and acoustic emission (AE) characteristics of pork bone and sawbone samples during a combined push-out test. The primary aim is to analyze the AE data and correlate acoustic parameters. Therefore, 11 bone-implant samples of each material have been tested in a push-out process and analyzed with regards to the AE parameters. We conclude that identification of fracture types - shear or tensile - via rise angle and average frequency is a crucial step in the early detection of implant loosening. Although sawbone samples provide high reproducibility, they do not perfectly mimic natural bone, and animal bone offers more realistic results. Therefore, the proposed testing method is a promising tool for more accurate evaluation of bone-implant interactions in future osseointegrated samples.