Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 15, 2025
A Teleoperated Robotic System-Assisted Percutaneous Transiliac-Transsacral Screw Fixation Technique
Published on: January 6, 2023
SMART (self- monitoring analysis and reporting technology) and sensor based technology applications in trauma and
Vibhu Krishnan Viswanathan1, Vijay Kumar Jain2, Chetan Sangani3
1Department of Orthopedics, Dr Rela Institute and Medical Center, Chennai, India.
Background:
Innovations in implant designs and computer technology have led to the development of smart implants and prostheses in the field of orthopedics and trauma. Sensor-guided devices enable close monitoring of physical, chemical and biological environment around the implants, which has been purported to meliorate the intra-operative precision and post-operative surveillance of patients.
Objective:
We evaluate the current applications of sensor-based technology in the management of patients with a spectrum of musculoskeletal conditions.
Material And Methods:
A thorough search of literature was performed on May 1, 2023, using the 5 databases (Embase, PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library and Web of Science) in order to identify suitable studies published between 2000 and 2023. All the studies which reported on SMART implants and Sensor based technology in the diverse sub-specialties of orthopedics like trauma, arthroplasty, spine surgery, infections, arthroscopy or sports medicine and paediatric orthopedics were considered. The keywords used for the search included 'Sensor technology', 'SMART implant' and "Orthopedics".
Results:
Thirty articles were considered for this narrative review. A generation of SMART implants has been developed due to advancements in the microchip technology. Sensor based technology has been utilised in various subspecialties of arthroplasty (in assessing ligament balancing intra-operatively; or prosthetic loosening and gait analysis during follow-up), trauma surgery (as SMART instruments intra-operatively; or in the assessment of bone healing, distraction osteogenesis and functional recovery during follow-up), spine surgery (identification and protection of neural elements from iatrogenic injuries intra-operatively; and assessment of fusion across the instrumented levels during follow-up), paediatric orthopedics (compliance assessment for foot abduction orthosis in congenital talipes equinovarus), infection (monitoring of infection and biofilm formation), rehabilitation (gait analysis) and sports medicine (rotational stability and ligament compliance in patients with ligament injuries or reconstruction).
Conclusion:
SMART implants and Sensor based technology have applications in the surgical planning, intra-operative performance, post-operative monitoring and patient surveillance diverse subspecialties of orthopedics and trauma. Future research in newer designs, cost-effective SMART implants and refinement of Sensor based technology will enhance Patient Related Outcome Measures (PROMs).
