An introduction to Acoustic Emission Analysis (AEA) based medical diagnostic techniques: Screening and Monitoring of cartilage defects in knee joint osteoarthrosis

Abstract

Clinical studies have shown that during standardized movements the Acoustic Emission (AE) from lesions in articular cartilage can be assessed. Specific lesions produce specific acoustic signals, therefore it is possible to evaluate the character of cartilage damage. Consequently it is possible to evaluate the condition of the joint cartilage in order to enhance therapy. Patients performed series of knee bends, first on a plane surface in order to assess the cartilage lesions. Then patients performed knee bends on boards simulating orthopaedic insoles by means of inner and outer edge elevations. Insoles aim at relieving the lesioned areas of cartilage from loads and strain. AEA monitoring reveals the effects of a shift of the zone of load transfer immediately and is an adequate tool for the diagnosis as well as the monitoring of therapeutic measures.

Keywords

• acoustic emission analysis
• osteoarthrosis
• knee
• clinical study
• screening of damaged areas
• monitoring of load deviation