Relationship between motion, using the GaitSmartTM system, and radiographic knee osteoarthritis: an explorative analysis in the IMI-APPROACH cohort.

Objectives: To assess underlying domains measured by GaitSmartTMparameters and whether these are additional to established OA markers including patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) and radiographic parameters, and to evaluate if GaitSmart analysis is related to the presence and severity of radiographic knee OA.

Methods: GaitSmart analysis was performed during baseline visits of participants of the APPROACH cohort (n = 297). Principal component analyses (PCA) were performed to explore structure in relationships between GaitSmart parameters alone and in addition to radiographic parameters and PROMs.

Validation of inertial measurement units with optical tracking system in patients operated with Total hip arthroplasty.

Background: Patient reported outcome measurement (PROMs) will not capture in detail the functional joint motion before and after total hip arthroplasty (THA). Therefore, methods more specifically aimed to analyse joint movements may be of interest. An analysis method that addresses these issues should be readily accessible and easy to use especially if applied to large groups of patients, who you want to study both before and after a surgical intervention such as THA.

Analysis of knee flexion characteristics and how they alter with the onset of knee osteoarthritis: a case control study.

Background: The purpose of this study was to examine the differences in gait profile between patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) and healthy control and to create motion characteristics that will differentiate between them.

Methods: Twenty three patients diagnosed with knee OA and 21 healthy matched controls underwent a gait test using a sensor system (gaitWALK). Gait parameters evaluated were: stride duration, knee flexion range of motion (ROM) in swing and stance.

Inertial sensor-based knee flexion/extension angle estimation.

A new method for estimating knee joint flexion/extension angles from segment acceleration and angular velocity data is described. The approach uses a combination of Kalman filters and biomechanical constraints based on anatomical knowledge. In contrast to many recently published methods, the proposed approach does not make use of the earth's magnetic field and hence is insensitive to the complex field distortions commonly found in modern buildings.

The importance of measuring human gait.

Clinical research has identified clear links between human gait characteristics and different medical conditions. However, there have been no sensor systems available to provide a reliable and quantifiable method of monitoring these parameters in a normal environment. The different technologies that can now be applied to a variety of medical applications are discussed.

Developments in functional electrical stimulation systems.

It is estimated that more than 750,000 people suffer a stroke each year in Europe. An implantable neurostimulator is being developed to improve impaired upper limb function that results from stroke. Its mode of operation and early clinical trial results are reported.

Biocompatible materials developments for new medical implants.

Recent work on modifying silicone rubber to improve water permeability and biocompatibility is described. In addition, modifications to the interface between an active implanted device and the body are reported, which have led to reduced power consumption and improved device performance.

Working on the design of new medical implants.

This report on work currently underway on innovative implants describes the progress being made with wireless communication and the lessons learned after one year of development of an artificial sphincter and an intracranial pressure sensor.

Implantable medical devices: current status and future developments within the healthy-aims project.

This paper describes the current situation concerning medical implants and suggests why the number of available devices is so limited. It then goes on to describe how a consortium was established from an EU network focussing specifically on Medical Devices. This consortium was successful in obtaining EU funding for the development of a range of medical implants that will help patients with specific disabilities relating to the nervous system, including deafness, blindness, lack of limb motion and urinary incontinence.

Developing innovative implantable medical devices.

The market for electronically driven implantable devices is set to expand significantly. This article examines the current potential and some of the products under development.

A three-axis accelerometer.

The development of a three-axis accelerometer that can simultaneously measure acceleration in all three directions is to be utilised in a range of emerging applications.