Research Projects

The success of cementless total hip arthroplasty (THA) relies on the primary stability of the hip stem, which is measured by the amount of micromotion at the bone-stem interface. Linear variable differential transformers (LVDT) and marker-based or μ-CT-based techniques are commonly used to assess implant primary stability during preclinical testing. However, there is no device available for real-time monitoring of post-operative stem stability. The proposed portable healthcare device, equipped with Microwave-Photonic Hybrid Wearable Sensor technology, aims to provide accurate detection and in vivo monitoring of post-surgery hip stem subsidence under physiological load. The setup will consist of microwave sensor/antennas transmitting and receiving at the same point of time, with the change in Reflection coefficient (dB) monitored to assess stem movement in real time. The electromagnetic wave transmitted from the antenna will go through different layers of the human body, such as skin, fat, muscle, and bone. Some electromagnetic waves will be absorbed and some will be transmitted or reflected. The device will be virtually placed non-invasively, and the variation of the reflectivity of the RF signal for small movement of the implant will be found to be very low. The wearable hybrid microwave sensor for monitoring stem stability and fracture progression has the potential to become a highly sought-after device, especially since no such diagnostic protocol is currently available worldwide.