FDA public workshop: Orthopaedic sensing, measuring, and advanced reporting technology (SMART) devices

Traditional orthopaedic devices do not communicate with physicians or patients post-operatively. After implantation, follow-up of traditional orthopaedic devices is generally limited to episodic monitoring. However, the orthopaedic community may be shifting towards incorporation of smart technology. Smart technology in orthopaedics is a term that encompasses a wide range of potential applications. Smart orthopaedic implants offer the possibility of gathering data and exchanging it with an external reader. They incorporate technology that enables automated sensing, measuring, processing, and reporting of patient or device parameters at or near the implant. While including advanced technology in orthopaedic devices has the potential to benefit patients, physicians, and the scientific community, it may also increase the patient risks associated with the implants. Understanding the benefit-risk profile of new smart orthopaedic devices is critical to ensuring their safety and effectiveness. The 2018 FDA public workshop on orthopaedic sensing, measuring, and advanced reporting technology (SMART) devices was held on April 30, 2018, at the FDA White Oak Campus in Silver Spring, MD with the goal of fostering a collaborative dialogue amongst the orthopaedic community. Workshop attendees discussed four key areas related to smart orthopaedic devices: engineering and technology considerations, clinical and patient perspectives, cybersecurity, and regulatory considerations. The workshop presentations and associated discussions highlighted the need for the orthopaedic community to collectively craft a responsible path for incorporating smart technology in musculoskeletal disease care.