In a recent study, researchers shared the latest developments in turning a smart knee implant into a reality.
Total knee replacement (TKR) surgery is an increasingly common procedure. If the implant fails, though, patients will require revision surgery. The risk runs particularly high for younger TKR patients, who may sustain their knee injury during sports and want to return to sport postoperatively. Too much wear on the new knee could cause damage, but doctors frequently don’t know how much is too much until it’s too late, and the patient may ultimately need revision TKR surgery.
Binghamton researcher Sherry Towfighian is working to develop smart knee implants that are powered by walking. Learn more in @PopMech! https://t.co/doH1GFTHxD pic.twitter.com/q1ZuPjJs06
— Binghamton University (@binghamtonu) February 1, 2019
The smart implant could tackle this problem.
“We are working on a knee implant that has built-in sensors that can monitor how much pressure is being put on the implant so doctors can have a clearer understanding of how much activity is negatively affecting the implant,” said Sherry Towfighian, an assistant professor at Binghamton University and lead principal investigator of the study, in a press release.
Smart knee implants may soon be a reality thanks to research done by @binghamtonu, @stonybrooku and the and the University of Western Ontario! pic.twitter.com/Ye5RwQFIpY
— Binghamton U Alumni (@binghamtonalum) January 28, 2019
Rather than using a battery to power the implant, which would require periodic changing, the team tried using triboelectric energy, a type of friction-generated energy. Energy reaches the triboelectric energy harvester when the patient walks. This friction powers the load sensors. The circuit requires 4.6 microwatts to function, and in testing, the average person’s walk provides 6 power microwatts.
Smart knee implants may soon be a reality thanks to research done by professors from @binghamtonu @UNOH_edu @stonybrooku #stonybrookmedicine #stonybrookuniversithospital #kneereplacement #knee https://t.co/bjkeDz6qOc
— Stony Brook Medicine (@StonyBrookMed) January 26, 2019
In addition to providing real-time information on the current implant, the device will also help create future implants.
“The sensors will tell us more about the demands that are placed on implants, and with that knowledge, researchers can start to improve the implants even more,” said Towfighian.
Take Five: Just A Few Minutes of Brisk Walking Associated with Decreased Risk of TKA
All-Polyethylene Tibial Components in Total Knee Replacement: Early Failures
Using Robots in Total Knee Replacements
Source: IOP Science
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