MEDICAL DEVICES
incorporating sensors ,” explains Matt Parkes , Senior Medical Development Engineer at Renishaw , a company at the forefront of new engineering technologies utilised across sectors in everything from jet engines to dentistry . “ Still in the early phases of development , inbuilt sensors could collect patient-specific data , enabling surgeons and other healthcare professionals to tailor treatment to the needs of individual patients .”
What patient challenges can PSIs help overcome ? “ One of the key issues that traditional implants present is loosening ,” explains Parkes . “ Particularly common following joint replacement procedures , loosening can be a result of poor osseointegration – the structural and functional connection of the implant with the patient ’ s bone . This can occur due to wearing over time and is exacerbated by factors including infection and poor compliance with advised physiotherapy regimes .”
Parkes notes this can be exacerbated by the limitations of traditional metal implants , which are only manufactured in a discrete
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