Intelligent implants. Joint replacement implants with integrated electronic sensors

With instrumented implants it is possible to measure joint loads directly in the body, which is important if we are to improve the stability, wear properties and fixation technology. The data can also indicate what activities lead to particularly high loads and should be avoided in the immediate postoperative period, which can also be helpful to physiotherapists. The article explains the technical principles of the measurements and gives examples of designs of instrumented implants. Measurements so far recorded with the aid of such implants in hip, knee and shoulder joints, of internal fixation devices in the spinal column and of vertebral body prostheses are presented and the practical conclusions these results allow are discussed. In view of the huge body of data recorded in hip joints, most of the advice that can be given here relate to the hip.