Das intelligente implantat

Abstract

This article presents an "intelligent" internal fixator system developed by the BG-Unfallkrankenhaus in Hamburg in cooperation with the Technical University Hamburg-Harburg. By application of modern microelectronics to a plate, telemetric load measuring is possible. Due to its small size, the sensor system can be integrated in internal plate systems. The system was initially tested in vitro on plastic bones and then tested in animal studies. After this the first clinical applications on patients were carried out. According to results from animal studies, the system enables fracture healing progression to be monitored and quantified. Initial results in patients with femoral non-unions demonstrate good correlation between bone healing and the progression of the signals received. Routine use of this system would enable telemetrically monitored aftercare of osteosyntheses with optimal utilization of load bearing in the extremities. In addition, fracture healing problems could be identified and dealt with promptly. In our opinion, "intelligent" implants will represent an important tool for osteosynthesis of the future. © Springer Medizin Verlag 2008.