Design and preliminary testing of an active intramedullary nail.

Purpose: To enhance bone healing through controlled interfragmentary movements, numerous experiments have been conducted in animal models employing external fixation devices to apply mechanical stimulation to the fracture site. However, the efficacy of these fixators has been questioned. On the other hand, intramedullary nailing is a widely established clinical practice for reducing closed tibial fractures.

A dynamic Bayesian network for estimating the risk of falls from real gait data.

Pathological and age-related changes may affect an individual's gait, in turn raising the risk of falls. In elderly, falls are common and may eventuate in severe injuries, long-term disabilities, and even death. Thus, there is interest in estimating the risk of falls from gait analysis.