Load sensing assembly for a spinal implant

A load sensing assembly for a spinal implant, the load sensing assembly comprising:

• a set screw extending in a longitudinal direction from a first end to a second end and having an outside surface comprising a thread pattern and an inside surface comprising a driving feature, the set screw further comprising a central opening that is coaxially aligned with the driving feature and extends in the longitudinal direction from the first end of the set screw to the second end of the set screw, wherein the thread pattern of the set screw is configured to engage with an anchoring member supporting a longitudinal rod while the second end of the set screw directly contacts the longitudinal rod;
• an antenna;
• an electronics component comprising one or more electrical circuits, wherein the electronics component is operably connected to the antenna;
• an integrated circuit operably connected to at least a portion of the electronics component;
• and
• a strain gauge in communication with the integrated circuit, wherein the strain gauge is located within the central opening of the set screw in proximity to the second end of the set screw and is configured to measure a localized force between the second end of the set screw and the longitudinal rod.