Vibrational response analysis: Non-destructive evaluation of ingrowth into porous coated implants

Quantitative methods of evaluating ingrowth into porous coated implants have traditionally involved destructive mechanical testing. In this study, it was hypothesized that the response to a vibrational stimulus could estimate the shear strength at the bone-implant interface as measured by pushout. A derived model predicts that the square of the frequency at resonance is linearly related to this interfacial strength. It was further hypothesized that the level of vibration required for a meaningful response would not be destructive. This study was done using nonloaded, porous coated cylindrical implants which were press fit in the distal femora of dogs. Femora were harvested at 2, 4, and 6 weeks postimplantation. The implants were sectioned into 4-mm slices and then evaluated by vibration, pushout, and light microscopy. Vibrational response analysis was conducted with broad band random excitation using Fast Fourier transform signal analysis. Pushout values were obtained using a materials testing machine. The resulting correlation was statistically significant (F = 201, r2 = 0.90, p < 10−6). Light microscopic evaluation of vibrated samples showed no difference at the bone-implant interface when compared to controls.