Calibration of linear displacement sensors for micromotion studies

This paper describes a calibration method for linear displacement sensors that includes quantifiable errors on the order of 1 μm, and that has been adopted in an effort to ensure accurate measurements of micromotion within orthopaedic implants during simulated use. This method results in a calibrated linear displacement sensor system with known quantifiable error. For the components used in this study, this error is on the order of 1 μm. It is suggested that this or a similar method be used for calibration of linear displacement sensors to be used to measure micromotion of orthopaedic implants to ensure accuracy and reliability of data and interpreted results.