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Smart orthopaedic implants: A targeted approach for continuous postoperative evaluation in the spine
Vivek A S Ramakrishna1, Uphar Chamoli2, Ginu Rajan3
1School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia; Spine Labs, St. George & Sutherland Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; School of Engineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
Orthopaedics needs smart implants for real-time monitoring. Load-sensing implants can improve postoperative care by tracking biomechanics, enhancing patient outcomes in spinal surgery.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Orthopaedic Surgery
- Medical Device Technology
Background:
- Real-time health monitoring is advancing in medicine, but orthopaedics lags behind.
- Current postoperative orthopaedic care lacks objective biomechanical feedback.
- Implantable sensors are needed for precise structural integrity assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the clinical need for load-sensing implants in orthopaedics.
- To discuss challenges and opportunities for biomechanical monitoring post-surgery.
- To propose a framework for developing smart orthopaedic implants.
Main Methods:
- Reviewing existing sensing technologies for load-sensing implants.
- Analyzing the requirements for in vivo biomechanical monitoring in orthopaedics.
- Examining polymeric flexible sensors and Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS).
Main Results:
- Existing sensing approaches often fail mechanical requirements or in vivo translation.
- Polymeric flexible sensors and MEMS show promise for load-sensing but need more research.
- Wireless energy transfer and telemetry require further development for implantable devices.
Conclusions:
- Load-sensing implants are crucial for objective postoperative orthopaedic evaluation.
- Integrating sensing, powering, and energy harvesting is key for smart implants.
- Advancements in smart implants will revolutionize orthopaedic patient care and monitoring.
