A piezoelectric bone fixation plate for in vivo application and monitoring of mechanical loading during fracture healing

摘要: Fracture non-union, the failure of a bone fracture to bridge, occurs in roughly 5%–10% treated fractures and requires lengthy expensive follow-up interventions. A significant body research has investigated efficacy low-magnitude, high-frequency (LMHF) vibration as treatment for femoral non-unions through use whole-body vibration. This work presents novel piezoelectric fixation plate investigating LMHF by applying loads directly site, thus reducing undesired systemic effects such hormonal up-regulation induced The can apply mechanical loading regime monitor environment at site during ambulation quantify progressive changes callus stiffness over time an indication healing. Mechanical testing demonstrated ability provide displacements up 10 µm, well estimate changing environment.