Smart devices are changing healthcare in many ways, but are you ready for your body to start snitching on you to your doctor?
One of the miracles of modern medicine is that we now have spare body parts available when the originals wear out. From hips to shoulders, and even to hearts, we have mechanical replacements to take their place. One of the big problems with joint replacements, however, is that the road to recovery can be long and difficult. Patients have to endure physical therapy sessions and then continue to perform their exercises on their own at home. Compliance with therapy instructions can be a big problem, resulting in slower recovery and poor outcomes. Enter the smart knee. This total replacement contains sensors and a wireless communication system that sends data back to a base unit in the patient’s home. This data is then forwarded to the doctor who can monitor range of motion, steps taken, and walking speed. It also lets the doctor track whether or not the patient is adhering to the post-op exercise instructions. This approach could lead to better outcomes and fewer trips to the doctor’s office during recovery.