Conformable and robust microfluidic force sensors to enable precision joint replacement surgery

Ives, L., Pace, A., Bor, F., Jing, Q. , Wade, T., Cama, J., Khanduja, V. and Kar-Narayan, S. (2022) Conformable and robust microfluidic force sensors to enable precision joint replacement surgery. Materials and Design, 219, 110747. (doi: 10.1016/j.matdes.2022.110747)

Abstract

Balancing forces within weight-bearing joints such as the hip during joint replacement is essential for implant longevity. Minimising implant failure and the corresponding need for expensive and difficult revision surgery is vital to both improve the quality of life of the patient and lighten the burden on overstretched healthcare systems. However, balancing forces during total hip replacements is currently subjective and entirely dependent on surgical skill, as there are no sensors currently on the market that are capable of providing quantitative force feedback within the small and complex geometry of the hip joint. Here, we solve this unmet clinical need by presenting a thin and conformable microfluidic force sensor, which is compatible with the standard surgical procedure. The sensors are fabricated via additive manufacturing, using a combination of 3D and aerosol-jet printing. We optimised the design using finite element modelling, then incorporated and calibrated our sensors in a 3D printed model hip implant. Using a bespoke testing rig, we demonstrated high sensitivity at typical forces experienced following implantation of hip replacements. We anticipate that these sensors will aid soft tissue balancing and implant positioning, thereby increasing the longevity of hip replacements. These sensors thus represent a powerful new surgical tool for a range of orthopaedic procedures where balancing forces is crucial.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: LI acknowledges support from an EPSRC Doctoral Training Partnership studentship (EP/R513180/1). TW acknowledges support from an EPSRC Doctoral Training Partnership studentship (EP/T517847/1). SK-N is grateful for support from ERC Starting Grant (Grant No. ERC-2014-STG-639526, NANOGEN). SK-N and QJ acknowledge support from the Centre of Advanced Materials for Integrated Energy Systems ''CAM-IES'' grant EP/P007767/1. JC was supported by a Wellcome Trust Institutional Strategic Support Award to the University of Exeter (204909/Z/16/Z).
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Jing, Dr Qingshen

Creator Roles

Jing, Q.: Methodology, Investigation, Writing – review and editing

• Authors: Ives, L., Pace, A., Bor, F., Jing, Q., Wade, T., Cama, J., Khanduja, V., and Kar-Narayan, S.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Systems Power and Energy
• Journal Name: Materials and Design
• Publisher: Elsevier
• ISSN: 0261-3069
• ISSN (Online): 1873-4197
• Published Online: 16 May 2022
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2022 The Author(s)
• First Published: First published in Materials and Design 219:110747
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons license