Wireless Tracking Device for Intramedullary Nail Locking

The problem: In particular, distal locking is challenging because IM nails typically deforms after insertion due to the shape of the medullary canal. Existing techniques developed to assist with distal locking have significant performance limitations and pose a health/safety risk to stakeholders. The key stakeholders that experience these inadequacies are the patient, orthopaedic surgeon and operating team. Our proposed project addresses the problems associated with screw targeting during IM nailing of long bone fractures primarily carried out by orthopaedic surgeons. Our idea is to develop a miniature wireless tracking device consisting of two six degrees of freedom sensors positioned at the distal and proximal end, powered inductively and encapsulated in an implantable biocompatible packaging. The novel tracking device will help surgeons to reduce radiation exposure by 100%, reduce distal locking times by 50% and obtain an accuracy of at least 99.5% for IM nailing procedures. Therefore, MWTD will help to increase the penetration of high tech IM nailing globally, thereby improving the competitiveness of European businesses and leading to better clinical outcomes.