Self-powered knee implant load sensors to monitor total knee replacements
Official title: Self-Powered Load Sensors for Total Knee Replacement Health Monitoring
Funded at State University of Ny,binghamton · NIH-11412579 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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.
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 | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $436,609 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AR080798-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11412579 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People who have or will receive a total knee replacement could potentially benefit from this technology.
✕Less likely to help
The study focuses on device development using cadaver models and pre-clinical testing, so it does not involve living patients at this stage.
What this research studies
This project creates a self-powered load-sensing device that fits with a total knee replacement and can be tested in cadaver knees performing daily activities. It aims to provide quantitative data on how the joint bears weight over time without needing external power or frequent clinic visits. The work addresses post-surgical implant health, especially in the context of limited in-person care during the COVID era, by enabling remote monitoring and early detection of abnormal loading. The team plans to compare the new sensors with existing methods and assess safety, feasibility, and potential for integration into telehealth workflows.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, it could allow earlier identification of implant issues and support remote management of knee replacement patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous approaches use sensors in implants, but this project emphasizes a lead-free, self-powered solution and pre-clinical validation, representing a relatively novel approach.
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.
-
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.
-
Self-powered knee implant that measures how your knee moves and bears weight inside the body
A new knee replacement implant will quietly power and transmit measurements of your knee’s movement and the forces across the joint during daily life.
-
How neighborhood and social factors influence when people get knee replacement
This project looks at how neighborhood, healthcare access, and social circumstances affect when adults who need knee replacement actually receive surgery.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Improving Function and Pain After Total Knee Replacement Through Physical Activity and Weight Loss
This program helps adults who have had total knee replacement surgery improve their movement and reduce pain by focusing on physical activity and healthy weight.
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.