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Session: Rehabilitation
Session starts: Friday 27 January, 14:00
Presentation starts: 14:30
Room: Room 530

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Helene Noordhuis (University Medical Centre Groningen)
Claudine Lamoth (University Medical Centre Groningen)
Paul Jutte (University Medical Centre Groningen)
Charissa Roossien (University Medical Centre Groningen)

Abstract:
Patients suffering from worn or damaged hip joints often rely upon implants to uphold their economic, social, and functional independence. In most cases of hip failure an implant has proven to be a reliable solution. However, despite the innovations in implant technology, failure of the implant is still causing major issues. The lifespan of the average hip implant is 15 to 20 years. Because of the limited durability and the longer expected lifetime of younger patients, patients below 50 do not receive implants unless there is no other choice. These patients often endure years of chronic pain and become dependent on society. Common reasons for hip implant failure are aseptic loosening, which is caused by the inflammatory tissue response to wear particles; infection, which is caused by biofilm formation; and bone cement failure, which is caused by blunt force or repetitive motions. Treating infections and loosening of the implant can only be done by removing the implant. Revision surgeries can result in traumatic conditions, a high mortality rate and high healthcare costs. This puts a strain on both the patient and the hospital. The cause and moment of failure of the implant are hard to determine because of the limited information available. It can be difficult to determine the state of the implant and the surrounding tissue while inside a patient’s body. By monitoring the hip implant and the body’s reactions during daily life activities, more information could be gathered about the state of the implant over time. Therefore, a new project was developed which aims to design the next generation of smart implants for the musculoskeletal system. In the coming years, first an overview of the state-of-the-art developments in the implant field will be created. Afterwards a sensor system for the hip implant, including pressure- and ph-sensors, will be designed and validated. Validation will be done using in-vitro- and cadaveric studies. The integration of smart, biocompatible and sensing implants in the musculoskeletal system will open radically new avenues for the future, i.e., real-time risk assessment of potential complications associated with these hip implants.