Smart Implants 2.0 - Development of a novel sensor actuator fracture supply plate

problem

Even today, there are, individually different, sometimes significant disorders of bone and soft tissue healing. These healing disorders have serious consequences for the individual patient (pain, revision surgery, significantly extended treatment times) and represent a significant health economic burden (treatment and, if necessary, pension costs, resource consumption, incapacity for work, etc.). Individual factors play an important role here, but have not yet been sufficiently defined or influenced in routine treatment. The project, which is funded with 8 million euros, deliberately exceeds current research efforts on new materials (smart materials) and intelligent implants (smart implants) in order to develop a self-sufficient fracture care plate for the first time through the combination of material technology, artificial intelligence and medical knowledge, which can generate optimal healing conditions in the fracture zone for patients.

objective

Stress patterns after fractures as a significant factor influencing healing are known, but so far neither individually detectable nor influenceable. By transferring smart materials-based sensor/actuator technology to the medical sector for the first time, these can be controlled directly. The underlying technology is available in principle. These innovative techniques make fracture treatment internally, even postoperatively, influenceable, more individual, safer and more cost-effective.

Results / Project status

Phase 1 started on time in October 2019 and included a detailed patent and literature search, detailed planning and interactions with the project partners. Individual steps of the project were defined and initial concepts for a ‘smart implant’ and associated demonstrator were developed. In consultation with the project partners, a concept for further development was agreed. In the current phase 2, which started in April 2020, the selected concept will be further developed and a highly scaled demonstrator will be developed.

Duration: 01.01.2020 – 31.12.2025
Funded by: Werner Siemens Foundation

To the website of the Werner Siemens Foundation