SFB 298 SIIRI - Implant safety through individualisation of revision and regeneration of primary prosthetic components

Knee endoprostheses are frequently implanted, but their failure rates are comparatively high at around 13% within ten years. One of the main reasons for this is wear and tear on the polyethylene inlay, which is often only detected late in clinical routine because the abrasion is barely visible on X-rays. This results in high costs for surgeons and implant manufacturers, stress for patients, and challenges in planning revision surgery. A digitally supported system that consolidates data from earlier stages of the implant's life and predicts wear could improve targeted interventions and avoid unnecessary revisions.

Objectives

Subproject A01 plays a central role within the research network. The aim is to develop a digital implant lifecycle management (DILM) system that enables the collection, analysis, and use of implant information across all phases of the implant's life cycle. Using knee endoprostheses as an example, wear patterns are being investigated and innovative measurement methods based on X-ray stereometry are being tested in order to be able to detect wear in clinical applications at an early stage and with high precision. The linking of physical and digital data creates a comprehensive system for the continuous evaluation of the implant status and for deriving data-driven revision recommendations. In addition, the integration of radiopaque markers into the implant is being researched in order to directly measure wear and tear and enable partial revisions with adapted implant components.

Benefits

The project enables early detection of implant failure and allows targeted partial revisions to be planned instead of complete replacement operations. This reduces complications and costs and extends the service life of implants. Manufacturers and clinics benefit from improved data transparency throughout the entire implant life cycle, which allows conclusions to be drawn about design, material selection, and manufacturing processes and contributes to long-term quality improvement of medical products.

Approach

In cooperation with the Laboratory for Biomechanics and Biomaterials (LBB) at Hannover Medical School (MHH), marker-integrated implants are being developed and analyzed. A particular focus is on adapting the marker geometry and optimizing placement. The planned life cycle management is to be transferred to other types of implants in future funding phases. Regular workshops with the participating working groups of the consortium are already being held during the initial development phase in order to prepare for holistic integration. The theoretical basis is formed by concepts of product life cycle management and digital twins. The practical benefits of the approach are ensured by structured data processing, a modular design, and clearly defined interfaces to related systems.

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Contact Max-Enno Eggers via email at eggers@ifw.uni.hannover.de or by phone at +49 511 762 4341.