Image-Based Evaluation of Implant Tissue Interface Integrity in Polymer Orthopaedic Devices

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This is an unedited manuscript accepted for publication and provided as an Article in Press for early access at the author’s request. The article will undergo copyediting, typesetting, and galley proof review before final publication. Please be aware that errors may be identified during production that could affect the content. All legal disclaimers of the journal apply.

Year : 2026 | Volume : 14 | 03 | Page :
    By

    Sheeba Santhosh,

  • S A Yuvaraj,

  • Chengamma chitteti,

  • NMG Kumar,

  • M Ram Prasad Reddy,

  1. Associate Professor, Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, Panimalar Engineering College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu,
  2. Professor, Department of Biomedical Engineering, GRT Institute of Engineering and Technology, Tiruttani, Tamil Nadu, India
  3. Professor, Department of Data Science, School of Engineering, Mohan Babu University, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India
  4. Professor, Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, School of Engineering, Mohan Babu University, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India
  5. Professor, Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Aditya College of Engineering, Madanapalle, Andhra Pradesh, India

Abstract

Polymer orthopedic implants offer radiolucency and mechanical compatibility with bone, but long-term success depends on maintaining a stable implant–tissue interface. Routine imaging is widely available for follow-up, yet interface integrity is commonly judged qualitatively, limiting early detection of fixation compromise and reducing comparability across devices and time points. This work presents an image-based methodology to quantify interface integrity by extracting interpretable interface descriptors from a standardized interface belt around the implant boundary. The approach combines boundary-geometry roughness metrics with texture-transition analysis based on local entropy and complementary texture statistics to generate an adhesion integrity score and longitudinal change indicators. Example results demonstrate stable indicator trajectories in a stable-fixation cohort and progressive degradation patterns in a compromised cohort, with strong cross-sectional separability at 12 months using both roughness and entropy-transition features. End-to-end performance indicates that accurate boundary localization supports robust feature computation and enables practical throughput for follow-up imaging analysis. The proposed framework provides a reproducible, non-invasive pathway for monitoring interface condition and supporting integrity assessment of polymer orthopedic devices using imaging-derived indicators.

Keywords: Polymer orthopedic implants; Implant–tissue interface; Texture analysis; Local entropy; Adhesion integrity scoring.

How to cite this article:
Sheeba Santhosh, S A Yuvaraj, Chengamma chitteti, NMG Kumar, M Ram Prasad Reddy. Image-Based Evaluation of Implant Tissue Interface Integrity in Polymer Orthopaedic Devices. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2026; 14(03):-.
How to cite this URL:
Sheeba Santhosh, S A Yuvaraj, Chengamma chitteti, NMG Kumar, M Ram Prasad Reddy. Image-Based Evaluation of Implant Tissue Interface Integrity in Polymer Orthopaedic Devices. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2026; 14(03):-. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jopc/article=2026/view=243063


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Ahead of Print Subscription Original Research
Volume 14
03
Received 28/02/2026
Accepted 07/04/2026
Published 06/05/2026
Publication Time 67 Days
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