Smart joint implant sensors

摘要

A prosthesis for implantation into a mammalian body, the device comprising: (a) a prosthesis for implantation into a mammalian body that includes a sensor array comprising a plurality of sensors mounted to the prosthesis; and (b) an electronics structure for receiving signals from the sensor array and wirelessly transmitting representative signals to a remote receiver, where the plurality of sensors are operative to sense pressure, applied to the prosthesis by another object, in at least two axes generally perpendicular to one another.

主权项

1. A method of monitoring a prosthetic implant and its host mammalian body, the method comprising the steps of: implanting a sensor array into the mammalian body, the sensor array mounted to a prosthesis also implanted into the mammalian body; sensing pressure applied to the prosthesis in at least two axes generally perpendicular to one another; generating signals responsive to the sensed pressure applied to the prosthesis by another object; and wirelessly transmitting signals to a remote receiver outside of the mammalian body, the transmitted signals being representative of signals generated by the sensor array in response to sensing the pressure.