Abstract: A force sensor is used to determine tension forces present in a portion of tissue adjacent a body joint. A support plate is inserted under a tissue portion through two spaced apart incisions. The ends of the support plate are exposed and are mounted to a sensor frame along with a flexure member. A load plate mounted to the flexure member transfers force loads sensed from the tissue portion to the flexure member. A strain gage is mounted to the flexure member to provide an output signal representative of the force on the flexure member and thus forces in the tissue.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for measuring dynamically forces applied to a prosthetic joint. The system comprises a first support member attached to an outer surface of a first bone, a second support member attached to an outer surface of a second bone and a transducer secured to the second support member and engaging the first support member. The transducer measures forces applied to the first and second support member as the prosthetic joint is articulated and provides a representative force output signal. In the preferred embodiment, the transducer comprises a central body having plurality of integrally formed flexure members, each flexure member defined by a corresponding cavity in the body and defining a force responsive flexure section. A plate is secured to the transducer with support posts to localize forces onto the flexure members. Although the assembly forms components for implementation of a knee prosthetic, the present invention can be adapted to any particular joint of the body.