Segmental body BIA device development for fracture detection

Bone fractures are a major health issue worldwide, often requiring diagnostic tools like X-rays or CT scans, which, despite their effectiveness, present drawbacks such as radiation exposure, high cost, and limited accessibility. To address these limitations, this study introduces a novel, low-cost, portable, and non-invasive segmental bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) device based on the AD5933 impedance converter. The device was designed using a four-electrode configuration and integrates an ARM7 LPC2138 microcontroller, signal conditioning circuits, and a user-friendly LCD display for real-time data visualization. It operates at a fixed frequency of 50 kHz to measure impedance and phase angle variations in the human knee during fracture and healing stages. Validation was conducted using standard resistive and capacitive components, yielding measurement errors typically under 7%, thereby confirming its technical reliability. Clinical validation involved data collection of 125 patients with fractures, out of which 20 knee fracture patients are follow up, where clear differences in impedance and phase angle were observed before and after healing. These findings highlight the system's potential for real-time monitoring of bone healing, offering a reliable and accessible alternative to conventional imaging technologies, especially beneficial in rural and point of care settings.