Artificial joint system and method utilizing same for monitoring wear and displacement of artificial joint members

A method of determining a parameter associated with relative displacement between an artificial joint member and a natural bone of a joint to which it is attached, the method comprising the steps of:

• (a) providing a detection system implanted within, or attached to, least one artificial joint member and at least one natural bone of a joint, said detection system being for communicating an information signal receivable outside the body, said information signal indicative of a parameter associated with the relative displacement between said at least one artificial joint member and said at least one natural bone of said joint;
• (b) extracorporeally energizing said detection system so as to receive outside the body said information signal;
• and
• (c) processing said information signal being received so as to yield said parameter associated with the relative displacement between said at least one artificial joint member and said at least one natural bone of a joint.

A method of determining a parameter associated with wear or relative displacement of an artificial joint, the method comprising the steps of:

• (a) providing an artificial joint assembly system including:
• (i) an artificial joint assembly implantable within an individual, said artificial joint assembly including a first artificial joint assembly member having a first articulating surface and further including a second artificial joint assembly member having a second articulating surface, said first and said second articulating surfaces being in articulative engagement therebetween;
• and
• (ii) a detection system implanted within, or attached to, said artificial joint assembly, said detection system being for communicating an information signal receivable outside the body, said information signal indicative of a parameter associated with wear or relative displacement of said articulating surfaces;
• and
• (b) extracorporeally energizing said detection system so as to receive outside the body said information signal indicative of a parameter associated with wear or relative displacement of said articulating surfaces;
• and
• (c) processing said information signal received so as to yield said parameter associated with said wear or relative displacement of said articulating surfaces.