Systems and methods for monitoring implantable devices for detection of implant failure utilizing wireless in vivo micro sensors

#The present disclosure is generally directed to sensing systems for monitoring mammalian orthotic implants and more specifically to prosthesis assessment for early detection of implant failure.

#In total hip replacement (THR) both the femoral head and acetabulum are replaced with prosthetic components typically made of materials such as stainless steel, titanium, ceramic, or cobalt chromium. Cartilage is replaced by a durable polyethylene or other suitable low friction material. The patient's original femoral head and acetabulum are removed and/or modified; the remaining bone is carefully sculpted to interface with the prosthesis.

#THR has a very high success rate. Today, cement is typically no longer used to fix the implant within the bone and a successful THR is characterized by robust ossification whereby the patient's bone bonds with specially prepared porous regions of the implant. After a period of recuperation, normal functionality is reestablished and loadbearing forces are transmitted between bone and implant without pain or discomfort. Some patients report that they often forget they have a prosthesis.

#The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain principles of the invention.

#FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example system for evaluating prosthesis stability according to some embodiments of the invention;

#FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example correspondence between different dipole radiators according to some embodiments of the invention;

#The present invention now will be described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples, in which embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

#Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. In the figures, the thickness of certain lines, layers, components, elements or features may be exaggerated for clarity.

#The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. As used herein, phrases such as “between X and Y” and “between about X and Y” should be interpreted to include X and Y. As used herein, phrases such as “between about X and Y” mean “between about X and about Y.” As used herein, phrases such as “from about X to Y” mean “from about X to about Y.”