Importance

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Abstract

An implantable self-powered sensing system for a bone fixation device, which includes a self-powered strain sensor mountable on or in a bone fixation device, is disclosed. The sensor is capable of measuring strain in the bone fixation device by generating a strain signal in response to stresses produced thereupon. The system also includes a telemetry unit powered by the generated strain signal and in communication with the sensor. The telemetry unit is activated by the sensor when the strain signal reaches a predetermined value and then transmits the strain signal from the sensor to an external receiver. The sensing system can also include a buffer unit in communication with the sensor and the telemetry unit for collecting and storing the strain signals for transmission by the telemetry unit as a cumulative strain measurement. The method of monitoring healing in a bone and measuring strain in a bone fixation device using the sensing system of the present invention includes the steps of subjecting a patient to a predetermined set of dynamic exercises which vary stresses exerted on the bone fixation device and tests the integrity of the bone fixation device and then measuring the strain resulting from the stresses imposed upon the bone fixation device via the implanted self-powered sensor attached to the bone fixation device, which generates a charge in response to the stresses imposed on the bone fixation device, which then powers the implanted telemetry unit in order to transmit the charge generated by the sensor unit to an external receiver as a corresponding strain measurement signal.

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First Claim