Engineers and orthopedic specialists at the University of Arizona have developed an ultra-thin wireless sensor that is designed to monitor bone health over long periods of time. The self-powered device is designed to measure a variety of physiological parameters such as temperature and bone stress and could be useful for patients with osteoporosis or for monitoring healing and rehabilitation after a fracture. The device is attached to the bone surface with a calcium adhesive that promotes bone growth and fusion with the device surface for long-term implantation.
Right now it is difficult to know exactly how a bone heals. Physiological responses can vary from patient to patient, making personalized treatment difficult. Understanding how a bone heals and responds to treatment could help direct that treatment to be maximally effective and avoid undesirable side effects, paving the way for personalized orthopedic medical care.
“Monitoring the health of the musculoskeletal system is very important,” said Philipp Gutruf, a researcher involved in the study, in a statement from the University of Arizona. “With this interface, you have a computer on your bone, so to speak. This technology platform enables us to develop research tools for scientists to find out how the musculoskeletal system works and to use the collected information for recovery and therapy. ”
The device is intended to monitor bone health over long periods of time and could be particularly useful for patients who are at increased risk of refractures and bone problems, such as: B. Patients with osteoporosis. The technology could also help with clinical decisions, such as when to remove plates or screws from a bone.
“As a surgeon, I am most pleased that one day I will be able to offer my patients individual orthopedic care with measurements collected by osseosurface electronics – with the aim of accelerating rehabilitation and maximizing function after traumatic injuries,” said Dr. David Margolis, another researcher who participated in the study.
The device was designed to be very thin – about as thick as a sheet of paper – so that it can rest on the bone without irritating the muscles above it and without clinging to the surface of the bone. The batteryless technology relies on power casting and near-field communication to obtain energy and communicate with external devices such as a smartphone.
Finally, a unique adhesive made from calcium particles helps the device stick to the bone surface for extended periods of time. “Basically, the bone thinks the device is part of it and grows into the sensor itself,” says Gutruf. “This allows it to establish a permanent connection to the bone and take measurements over long periods of time.”
Study in Nature Communications: Osseosurface Electronics – thin, wireless, batteryless and multimodal musculoskeletal biointerfaces
Via: University of Arizona
