Description:
At a Glance
• Metal-based device that is incorporated into bone grafts to measure strain on the graft.
• Sensitive strain measurements must be taken to ensure functionality of bone allografts, which are increasingly being used to treat orthopedic issues.
• This device can be applied to the over 200,000 bone allografts transplanted every year to provide longevity for the patient.
Background
There are over 200,000 bone allografts transplanted every year in the US. These allografts must be able to bear an exceptional amount of stress throughout the lifetime of the patient. This is especially true when the patient is young and physically active. To increase the longevity of the implant, doctors need to reliably measure the strain put on the graft. Currently, there are limited ways to measure strain on a graft, which increases the likelihood of graft failure. These failures can be costly and greatly decrease the patient’s quality of life. Therefore, sensitive and biologically safe tools need to be developed to assess strain on the graft.
Technology Overview
A group from Colorado State University has invented a biologically safe device that measures strain on a bone graft in real-time. This device is incorporated directly into the bone graft and implanted into the patient. Unlike current silicone-based tools, this metal device has much greater sensitivity. Strain measurements are then taken while the graft is being used by the patient. This novel device decreases the likelihood of a graft failure and greatly enhances the quality of life for the patient.
Benefits
• Metal-based device allows for greater sensitivity
• Precise measurement of strain on an allograft can decrease the likelihood of failure
• First strain sensing circuit to be printed on a biological substrate
IP Status: Patent Pending
Relevant Publications
• https://patents.google.com/patent/US20150216476A1/
