The University of Alberta engineers have created a microsensor to supervise the bone recovery process after operation to help doctors in determining the right time for joint replacement.
The University of Alberta engineers have created a microsensor to supervise the bone recovery process after operation. Engineers, using nanotechnology, built a small device that can measure the extent to which the bone gets attached to surgical implant, also known as osseointegration and, therefore, help doctors in determining the right time for joint replacement.
Mechanical Engineering Department professor, Dr. Moussa, said that the microsensor would not only lessen the post-operation healing duration, but would also reduce the waiting time for people needing artificial implants of joints.
The sensor, which is permanently inserted with joint, uses patients' body movement as its source of power and remains dormant till the doctor wants it to begin transmission. Carefully monitoring the recovery of patients will help in quicker recovery times & reduce chances of over-stressing fracture during the rehabilitation period. Moreover, surgeons can determine right time for releasing patients from hospitals.
"The increase in demand for nano-scale materials, tools and devices would reach US$ 28.7 Billion as soon as 2008. This would help medical scientists, engineers and other researchers to invent and innovate in the fields of health, IT, communications and consumer goods", as per the report "The World Nanotechnology Market 2005" published by RNCOS.
Also, X-rays will no longer be used for monitoring, thus, reducing overall costs & radiation exposure. Sensor will be able to identify & detect any bone loss before it's seen on the radiograph.
This technology will be helpful throughout the lifetime of patients for maintaining & monitoring the implant. The technology has great potential to become a standard for, hip replacement, artificial knees & other joint surgeries in future.
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