Smart Implantable Device-Enabled Remote Monitoring Reduces Rates of Manipulation Under Anesthesia Following Total...

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Biomedical Engineering
• Digital Health

Background:

• Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a common procedure, but postoperative joint stiffness requiring manipulation under anesthesia (MUA) is a frequent complication.
• Smart implantable devices (SIDs) offer remote monitoring capabilities for TKA patients.
• This study investigates the impact of SIDs on MUA rates post-TKA.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the incidence of MUA in patients who received SIDs versus traditional implants after TKA.
• To determine if remote monitoring via SIDs can decrease MUA rates.
• To evaluate the efficacy of SIDs in improving TKA outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective study of 806 primary TKA patients (500 traditional, 306 SIDs) between July 2023 and December 2024.
• Follow-up of at least 90 days postoperatively to record MUA incidence.
• Analysis of demographic data and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, Joint Replacement (KOOS, JR) measures.

Main Results:

• MUA incidence was significantly lower in the SID group (0.971%) compared to the traditional implant group (3.101%) (p<0.05).
• Patients with traditional implants were over three times more likely to require MUA.
• SID recipients showed a threefold decrease in MUA rates.

Conclusions:

• The use of SIDs is associated with a significant reduction in MUA incidence following TKA.
• Remote monitoring of gait metrics (range of motion, cadence, step count) via SIDs may decrease MUA rates.
• SIDs show potential for integration into TKA care protocols to improve patient outcomes and reduce complications.