Self-powered knee implant load monitor
Official title: Self-Powered Load Sensors for Total Knee Replacement Health Monitoring
Funded at State University of Ny,binghamton · NIH-11090361 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Building tiny battery-free sensors inside knee replacements to track how much force the implant experiences for people with knee replacements.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | State University of Ny,binghamton NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Binghamton, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2022 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $424,951 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AR080798-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11090361 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People who have received or are planning to receive a total knee replacement would be the intended candidates for this type of implantable monitoring technology.
✕Less likely to help
People without knee implants or those with active implant-site infections or other conditions that preclude implantation would not benefit from this technology.
What this research studies
This project builds small, self-powered sensors that can be embedded in total knee replacement implants to measure loads during everyday motions. The team will create prototypes and test them on cadaver knees while simulating walking, stair climbing, and other daily activities to see how well the sensors capture load patterns. The devices are designed to avoid batteries and harmful materials so they do not weaken the implant or introduce health risks. If reliable, the sensors could provide quantitative data to spot abnormal loading that may indicate implant problems earlier than current care allows.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could enable remote monitoring of knee implants so clinicians can detect abnormal loading and address issues before early implant failure occurs.
How similar studies have gone: Related approaches using electromagnetic coils or piezoelectric ceramics exist but often weaken implants or use lead-containing materials, so this battery-free, safer design is a relatively novel direction.
Where this research is happening
-
State University of Ny,binghamton
Binghamton, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Towfighian, Shahrzad — State University of Ny,binghamton
- Study coordinator: Towfighian, Shahrzad
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Self-powered knee implant load sensors to monitor total knee replacements
A tiny, self-powered sensor system is being developed to monitor the loads on a total knee replacement so doctors can keep an eye on implant health from afar.
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Remote-based physical activity program for adults after total knee replacement
A nationwide study tests a scalable, online program to help adults 12 months after knee replacement stay active and healthier without in-person visits.
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This project looks at how neighborhood, healthcare access, and social circumstances affect when adults who need knee replacement actually receive surgery.
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Remote exercise program for people with knee replacements
Different online program features will be tried to help adults who had a total knee replacement become more active.
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Investigating how social factors affect the timing of total knee replacement surgery
This study looks at when people in the U.S. get knee replacement surgeries and how things like access to healthcare and living conditions affect that timing, so we can find ways to help more patients get the care they need when they need it.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.