Revolutionary implants: Monitor bone fracture healing in real time!

Revolutionary implants: Monitor bone fracture healing in real time!

In a significant development for the medical world, a research team at Saarland University and Saarland University Hospital is working to create smart implants that will monitor and promote healing in bone fractures. At the heart of this innovation is the use of shape memory technology, which allows the implants to stiffen on the bone and then soften again. This has the potential to significantly reduce the need for frequent x-rays to monitor the healing process.

This technology will be demonstrated in a presentation at the upcoming Hannover Messe from March 31st to April 4th at the Saarland stand, Hall 2, B10. The focus is particularly on the miniaturized intramedullary nails, which stabilize the bone from the inside and thereby accelerate healing. The use of these smart implants could enable patients to immediately put full weight on their leg, significantly increasing mobility and therefore quality of life.

Research and innovation

The research team is made up of experts in intelligent material systems and trauma surgery. A central goal is for the intramedullary nails to actively promote healing, for example through micro-massage at the fracture gap. The project is funded by the Werner Siemens Foundation with 8 million euros, and is embedded in the framework of a broader research project called “Smart Implants for Life Enrichment” (SmILE), which is funded by the EU with a total of 21 million euros.

As part of this five-year project, 25 institutions from 12 European countries are working together. The Fraunhofer Society and the BG Klinikum Hamburg are responsible for coordination. Professors from Saarland University are involved in the project management, which also includes the connection to the development of personalized health management tools through a chip-based platform. This use of an AI-driven data system is intended to enable continuous health monitoring by combining health data from implants, wearables and questionnaires.

Health relevance and future prospects

The project aims to improve the quality of life of older people and reduce the burden of non-communicable musculoskeletal diseases. Particular attention is paid to diseases such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis, which severely affect the baby boom generation. In this way, research is responding to the increasing demands of an aging society.

An innovative aspect of the implants is the integrated movement mechanism with mini-motors made of nickel-titanium wire bundles, which enable high tensile force and quick response. Sensor technology for measuring deformations and healing progress is also an essential part of these advanced implants. Patients can also control the implant via a smartphone, allowing adjustments under medical guidance.

In addition, the technology is also being further miniaturized for smaller bones and applications in facial surgery. There are also already plans to found the company mateligent GmbH, which specializes in transferring these research results into practical application. Together with the Center for Mechatronics and Automation Technology (ZeMA) in Saarbrücken, further developments are being sought that can also go beyond medical applications, as can be seen in other potential applications of shape memory technology in various areas such as cooling and heating systems.

The advances in this area impressively demonstrate how modern technologies and interdisciplinary collaboration can provide groundbreaking solutions to the challenges facing our healthcare systems, especially at a time when the treatment of chronic and age-related diseases is becoming increasingly important.

For further information about the research project and the developments surrounding smart implants, you can visit the website Saarland University, The knowledge and the Fraunhofer Society can be accessed.