Abstract: Implantable sensors for determining bone health that can be utilized in conjunction with orthopedic implants are described. The sensors can include passive strain gauges or passive chemical sensors that can be read by radiographic imaging techniques. Sensors can be affixed to implantable support devices so as to non-invasively monitor the effect of load on the implant; for instance, to provide a quantitative assessment of when a fracture is sufficiently healed to allow safe weight-bearing upon the limb. Alternatively, sensors can monitor the health of a local implant area; for instance, to monitor the implant area of early stage infection or healing of a fusion procedure.

Abstract: Implantable sensors for determining bone health that can be utilized in conjunction with orthopedic implants are described. The sensors can include passive strain gauges or passive chemical sensors that can be read by radiographic imaging techniques. Sensors can be affixed to implantable support devices so as to non-invasively monitor the effect of load on the implant; for instance, to provide a quantitative assessment of when a fracture is sufficiently healed to allow safe weight-bearing upon the limb. Alternatively, sensors can monitor the health of a local implant area; for instance, to monitor the implant area of early stage infection or healing of a fusion procedure.

Abstract: Implantable sensors for determining bone health are described that can be utilized in conjunction with orthopedic implants. The sensors can include passive strain gauges or passive chemical sensors that can be read by radiographic imaging techniques. Sensors can be affixed to implantable support devices so as to non-invasively monitor the effect of load on the implant for instance to provide a quantitative assessment of when a fracture is sufficiently healed to allow safe weight-bearing upon the limb. Alternatively, sensors can monitor the health of a local implant area, for instance to monitor the implant area of early stage infection or healing of a fusion procedure.

Abstract: Implantable sensors for determining bone health are described that can be utilized in conjunction with orthopedic implants. The sensors can include passive strain gauges or passive chemical sensors that can be read by radiographic imaging techniques. Sensors can be affixed to implantable support devices so as to non-invasively monitor the effect of load on the implant for instance to provide a quantitative assessment of when a fracture is sufficiently healed to allow safe weight-bearing upon the limb. Alternatively, sensors can monitor the health of a local implant area, for instance to monitor the implant area of early stage infection or healing of a fusion procedure.

Abstract: X-ray/optical imaging materials are described and techniques as may be used for sensitive and high spatial resolution chemical and biophysical imaging in tissue. The technique uses high spatial resolution deeply penetrating X-rays to excite scintillators which convert the energy to a different frequency, e.g., visible light frequencies. The emitted spectrum is then modulated by a chemical indicating element such as an indicator dye held in optical communication with the scintillators in order to detect specific concentrations in the local area. The materials can include a magnetic element in conjunction with the scintillator and chemical indicating element. The materials can incorporate a biologically active agent for delivery.

Abstract: Strain gauges that can provide information with regard to the state of implantable devices are described. The strain gauges can exhibit luminescence that is detectable through living tissue, and the detectable luminescent emission can vary according to the strain applied to the gauge. A change in residual strain of the device can signify a loss of mechanical integrity and/or loosening of the implant, and this can be non-invasively detected either by simple visual detection of the luminescent emission or through examination of the emission with a detector such as a spectrometer or a camera.

Abstract: The present invention relates to modulated (e.g., magnetically modulated) chemical sensors. In particular, the present invention relates to particles comprising fluorescent indicator dyes and methods of using such particles. Magnetic fields and/or Brownian motion modulate an optical property of the particle to distinguish it from background signals. The present invention thus provides improved methods of detecting a wide variety of analytes in fluids, fluid samples, cells and tissues.

Abstract: Strain gauges that can provide information with regard to the state of implantable devices are described. The strain gauges can exhibit luminescence that is detectable through living tissue, and the detectable luminescent emission can vary according to the strain applied to the gauge. A change in residual strain of the device can signify a loss of mechanical integrity and/or loosening of the implant, and this can be non-invasively detected either by simple visual detection of the luminescent emission or through examination of the emission with a detector such as a spectrometer or a camera.

Abstract: The present invention relates to modulated (e.g., magnetically modulated) chemical sensors. In particular, the present invention relates to particles comprising fluorescent indicator dyes and methods of using such particles. Magnetic fields and/or Brownian motion modulate an optical property of the particle to distinguish it from background signals. The present invention thus provides improved methods of detecting a wide variety of analytes in fluids, fluid samples, cells and tissues.

Abstract: The present invention relates to modulated (e.g., magnetically modulated) chemical sensors. In particular, the present invention relates to particles comprising fluorescent indicator dyes and methods of using such particles. Magnetic fields and/or Brownian motion modulate an optical property of the particle to distinguish it from background signals. The present invention thus provides improved methods of detecting a wide variety of analytes in fluids, fluid samples, cells and tissues.