Self-powered knee implant that measures how your knee moves and bears weight inside the body
Official title: Self-Powered In Vivo Joint Load and Angle Sensing in Total Knee Replacement
Funded at Tennessee Technological University · NIH-11380596 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Tennessee Technological University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cookeville, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $474,088 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AR085732-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11380596 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults undergoing total knee arthroplasty who are willing to have sensors integrated into their knee prosthesis and participate in follow-up assessments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not eligible for implant sensor integration or those who cannot participate in long-term monitoring may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to put a self-powered smart sensor into a knee replacement to continuously monitor how the knee moves and the forces it experiences after surgery. The goal is to gather real-world data on joint motion and loading to understand why some patients remain dissatisfied or need a revision. Researchers will test piezoelectric sensors embedded in the implant to track kinematics and compartmental forces with high accuracy, potentially enabling better implant designs and personalized care. The study will build on previous work and focus on hardware that can work inside the body over long periods. Results could lead to smarter knees that adapt to patient needs and reduce future problems.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this technology could improve wear patterns, comfort, and longevity of knee replacements by providing real-time data to guide care.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work showed feasibility of embedded sensors in knee implants with good measurement accuracy, but long-term clinical impact is still being explored.
Where this research is happening
-
Tennessee Technological University
Cookeville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Anton, Steven Robert — Tennessee Technological University
- Study coordinator: Anton, Steven Robert
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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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.
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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.
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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.