Abstract: A multi-layer, fiber-reinforced composite orthopaedic fixation device having a design selected based on a desired characteristic of the orthopaedic fixation device. The design may be selected according to a model of the device, the model defining design constraints, and the design may comprise a pattern of the fiber angle for each layer. The selection of a design may be analyzed using finite element analysis to determine whether the design will comprise the desired characteristic.

Abstract: In one general aspect, an orthopaedic fixation device includes an inner core and shaft formed of a multi-layered, fiber-reinforced composite. A sensing element is embedded within the multi-layered, fiber-reinforced composite.

Abstract: An orthopedic device, such as an intramedullary nail for internal fixation of a bone and a method of manufacturing the same. The orthopedic device may be formed from a medical grade powder via an additive manufacturing process. The forming process may include heat treating the additive manufactured component and machining the heat treated additive manufactured component to form the orthopedic device. Further, the orthopedic device may be formed to include an internal sensor probe channel that extends within at least a portion of the wall of the device, but which does not protrude through an outer portion of the wall. Embodiments further include a dynamizing intramedullary nail that accommodate adjustments in the relative axial positions of one or more sections of the orthopedic device. The devise may include features in an inner region of the orthopedic device that may alter an elastic modulus of the orthopedic device.

Abstract: A multi-layer, fiber-reinforced composite orthopaedic fixation device having a design selected based on a desired characteristic of the orthopaedic fixation device. The design may be selected according to a model of the device, the model defining design constraints, and the design may comprise a pattern of the fiber angle for each layer. The selection of a design may be analyzed using finite element analysis to determine whether the design will comprise the desired characteristic.

Abstract: A multi-layer, fiber-reinforced composite orthopedic fixation device having a design selected based on a desired characteristic of the orthopedic fixation device. The design may be selected according to a model of the device, the model defining design constraints, and the design may comprise a pattern of the fiber angle for each layer. The selection of a design may be analyzed using finite element analysis to determine whether the design will comprise the desired characteristic.

Abstract: In one general aspect, an orthopaedic fixation device includes an inner core and shaft formed of a multi-layered, fiber-reinforced composite. A sensing element is embedded within the multi-layered, fiber-reinforced composite.

Abstract: In one general aspect, an orthopaedic fixation device includes an inner core and shaft formed of a multi-layered, fiber-reinforced composite. A sensing element is embedded within the multi-layered, fiber-reinforced composite.

Abstract: In one general aspect, an orthopaedic fixation device includes an inner core and shaft formed of a multi-layered, fiber-reinforced composite. A sensing element is embedded within the multi-layered, fiber-reinforced composite.

Abstract: In one general aspect, an orthopedic fixation device includes an inner core and shaft formed of a multi-layered, fiber-reinforced composite. A sensing element is embedded within the multi-layered, fiber-reinforced composite.

Abstract: A multi-layer, fiber-reinforced composite orthopaedic fixation device having a design selected based on a desired characteristic of the orthopaedic fixation device. The design may be selected according to a model of the device, the model defining design constraints, and the design may comprise a pattern of the fiber angle for each layer. The selection of a design may be analyzed using finite element analysis to determine whether the design will comprise the desired characteristic.

Abstract: An orthopedic device, such as an intramedullary nail for internal fixation of a bone and a method of manufacturing the same. The orthopedic device may be formed from a medical grade powder via an additive manufacturing process. The forming process may include heat treating the additive manufactured component and machining the heat treated additive manufactured component to form the orthopedic device. Further, the orthopedic device may be formed to include an internal sensor probe channel that extends within at least a portion of the wall of the device, but which does not protrude through an outer portion of the wall. Embodiments further include a dynamizing intramedullary nail that accommodate adjustments in the relative axial positions of one or more sections of the orthopedic device. The devise may include features in an inner region of the orthopedic device that may alter an elastic modulus of the orthopedic device.

Abstract: A multi-layer, fiber-reinforced composite orthopedic fixation device having a design selected based on a desired characteristic of the orthopedic fixation device. The design may be selected according to a model of the device, the model defining design constraints, and the design may comprise a pattern of the fiber angle for each layer. The selection of a design may be analyzed using finite element analysis to determine whether the design will comprise the desired characteristic.

Abstract: A system (800) for processing accelerometer data is disclosed. The system (800) includes an accelerometer (806), a first processor (810), a power supply (816), and a second processor (804). The accelerometer (806) measures a physiological acceleration parameter. The first processor (810) is operatively connected to the accelerometer (806). The first processor (810) is configured to receive the acceleration parameter from the accelerometer (806) and configured to output machine readable acceleration data. The machine readable acceleration data includes time domain accelerometer data. The power supply (816) is electrically connected to the first processor (810). The second processor (804) is configured to receive the machine readable acceleration data and transform the time domain accelerometer data into frequency domain accelerometer data. The frequency domain accelerometer data may be used to estimate patient healing status.

Abstract: In one general aspect, an orthopaedic fixation device includes an inner core and shaft formed of a multi-layered, fiber-reinforced composite. A sensing element is embedded within the multi-layered, fiber-reinforced composite.

Abstract: An instrumented orthopaedic implant, such as an intramedullary (IM) nail, is disclosed. The implant has the capacity to provide an accurate measurement of the applied mechanical load across the implant. The implant includes sensors and associated electronic components located in recesses on the outer surface of the implant. The implant houses the sensing apparatus, the interface circuitry, the data transmitter, and the power receiver. The hermetically sealed housing is adapted for implantation in the body of a patient. The implant is used with a controller which communicates with it by telemetry, and there is an acting unit connected to the electronic components which is adapted to carry out a function based upon a condition detected by the sensors.

Abstract: A load-bearing medical implant is disclosed that includes a load-bearing structure with a cavity extending into the outer surface of the structure. The cavity accommodates a sensor that is held in a fixed position within the cavity by an encapsulant. The cavity is covered by a plate that is welded over the cavity in close proximity to the sensor and encapsulant to provide a seal over the cavity and the electronic component without causing thermal damage to the encapsulant or sensor despite the close proximity of the encapsulant and sensor to the welded areas of the plate and structure. Methods for encapsulating the sensor in the cavity, methods for encapsulating a wire bus leading from the sensor through a channel in the implant and methods for pulsed laser welding of weld plate over the sensor and encapsulant with thermal damage to either are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to orthopaedic implants, and more particularly to orthopaedic implants having data acquisition capabilities and their use in monitoring and diagnosing fracture healing. RSA is also disclosed as a method for measuring inter-fragmentary movement in long bone fractures in order to confirm whether the fracture is reduced and for detecting changes in stiffness of the healing callus.

Abstract: A telemetric system includes a telemetric implant, a reader unit adapted to read signals from the telemetric implant, and an antenna adapted for connection to the reader unit and to receive signals from the telemetric implant. The antenna has a first coil, a second coil, and a connector. The first coil is electrically connected to the second coil, and the connector allows for movement of the first and second coils relative to each other. The antenna may be used to send radio-frequency power to the telemetric implant and receives data from the telemetric implant.

Abstract: An instrumented orthopaedic implant, such as an intramedullary (IM) nail, is disclosed. The implant has the capacity to provide an accurate measurement of the applied mechanical load across the implant. The implant includes sensors and associated electronic components located in recesses on the outer surface of the implant. The implant houses the sensing apparatus, the interface circuitry, the data transmitter, and the power receiver. The hermetically sealed housing is adapted for implantation in the body of a patient. The implant is used with a controller which communicates with it by telemetry, and there is an acting unit connected to the electronic components which is adapted to carry out a function based upon a condition detected by the sensors.

Abstract: An instrumented orthopaedic implant, such as an intramedullary (IM) nail, is disclosed. The implant has the capacity to provide an accurate measurement of the applied mechanical load across the implant. The implant includes sensors and associated electronic components located in recesses on the outer surface of the implant. The implant houses the sensing apparatus, the interface circuitry, the data transmitter, and the power receiver. The hermetically sealed housing is adapted for implantation in the body of a patient. The implant is used with a controller which communicates with it by telemetry, and there is an acting unit connected to the electronic components which is adapted to carry out a function based upon a condition detected by the sensors.