10 February 2010
Electronic implants eliminate risk of radiation exposure
Researchers have unveiled a project to develop intelligent implants to monitor the healing process of fractures treated by osteosynthesis.
The Hamburg University of Technology and component specialist Premo have collaborated on the project, in which a strain gauge provides physicians with a quantitative measure of the stiffness at the fracture site and makes it possible to predict fracture healing as well as rehabilitation control. This method eliminates the risk of radiation exposure from traditional techniques such as X-rays and CT scans.
According to the researchers, the strain information from the gauge is translated to a digital signal using a microcontroller in a small circuit. This signal is then transferred out of the body using rfid. The miniaturised transponder coil on the circuit is provided by Premo and allows for integration into the small circuit. In this way, the system is fitted into the implant.
Author
Chris Shaw
Supporting Information
Websites
http://www.premogroup.com
http://www.tuhh.de/mst
Companies
Premo Group
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