Spinal rod connecting components with active sensing capabilities

A load sensing spinal implant, comprising:

• a receiver comprising a U-shaped cavity for supporting a longitudinal rod and set screw therein, the receiver including a lower cavity configured to couple to a pedicle screw;
• a side portion integrally connected to the receiver by an isolation beam, the side portion including a housing defining a sealed cavity for supporting a microelectronics assembly and a battery therein;
• at least one antenna attached to an outside of the housing and being in electrical communication with the microelectronics assembly, the at least one antenna being configured to utilize a Medical Implant Communication System (MICS) technology;
• and
• at least one strain gauge disposed in a region corresponding to the isolation beam, the at least one strain gauge being configured to detect a localized force experienced by the receiver and being in electrical communication with the microelectronics assembly,
• wherein the at least one antenna is configured to transmit information received from the at least one strain gauge to an external device, and
• wherein the isolation beam further comprises an internal cylindrical cavity that extends through the isolation beam and into the cavity defined by the housing, the at least one strain gauge being disposed inside of the cylindrical cavity on a sidewall thereof closest to the U-shaped cavity.