Self-powered knee implant load monitor
Self-Powered Load Sensors for Total Knee Replacement Health Monitoring
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 ID | NIH-11090361 on NIH RePORTER |
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.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: 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.
Not a fit: People without knee implants or those with active implant-site infections or other conditions that preclude implantation would not benefit from this technology.
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 performed: 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
Binghamton, United States
- State University of Ny,binghamton — Binghamton, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Towfighian, Shahrzad — State University of Ny,binghamton
- Study coordinator: Towfighian, Shahrzad
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 below.