STRAIN SENSOR-BASED MONITORING OF SMART ORTHOPEDIC DEVICES IN LOWER LIMB FRACTURE HEALING: A REVIEW

Abstract

Self-Monitoring Analysis and Reporting Technology (SMART) implants provide significant improvements in diagnostic and post-operative patient treatment by using the measurement data regarding physical parameters such as pressure, force, strain, displacement, and other physical stimuli to improve bone healing. Strain sensors are widely used as a part of the SMART orthopedic devices because they can precisely monitor small changes in resistance in order to determine the strain. This characteristic helps in measuring subtle physical stimuli for enhancing fracture fixation during bone healing. The data set collected from the strain sensor can be processed by an active device to monitor the patient’s health and provide the most beneficial assistance for the healing process. This paper complies with studies on internal and external SMART implants based on strain sensors technology in order to advance knowledge on the technical aspects of the healing of broken low extremities. The paper presents the current state-of-the-art in low extremity bone fracture fixation. It is shown that there is a lack of relevant information regarding both external and internal fixation devices. It also highlights the technical challenges of the innovation underlying SMART implants caused by advancements in applied wireless technology, power supply, dimensions, life-lasting, and utilization of customized devices.