A method for determining a mechanical load to which a component was exposed. The component comprises at least one sensor that is arranged in a force flow of the mechanical load and that emits a measurement signal in the event of a mechanical load. The method comprises providing an increase function, which establishes a relationship between the measurement signal and the mechanical load for an increasing load, providing a decrease function, which establishes a relationship between the measurement signal and the mechanical load for a decreasing load, identifying reversal points at which a change in the measurement signal changes a sign, saving the measurement value and the corresponding increase functional value or decrease functional value at the reversal point, providing a new increase function or a new decrease function by displacing and compressing the increase function or the decrease function, wherein the compression is executed with regards to both the measurement signal and the mechanical load, and determining the mechanical load at least also using the saved values.

A system and method for detecting lubrication conditions, lubrication regimes, impingement, stick-slip, and/or surface damage allows the health of a joint to be monitored. The system and method provides in situ or in vivo real-time monitoring of dynamic and static conditions of the joint. The monitoring system may use both passive and active sensing approaches that employ strategically placed piezoelectric transducers on/in the articulating components of the joint. In some embodiments, the transducers may be Lead Zirconate Titanate (PZT) transducers. Active sensing may be used to detect lubrication regimes under static and dynamic conditions. Passive sensing may be used to characterize the joint motion and abnormities, such as impingements and surface damages.

A compliance monitoring system (40) for an intraoral appliance comprises a power source (460), a detector (410) for detecting when the intraoral appliance is positioned in the mouth for use, a recorder (430) configured to record measurement data, and a transponder (440) configured to communicate the measurement data. The monitoring system is adjustable based on a particular property of a patient or a group of patients.

The present invention discloses methods and apparatus for fostering wireless communication to and from orthopedic implants. Cuff and bandage devices provide a means of supporting a device which coordinates and optimizes communication with orthopedic implants. The devices support methods which can provide feedback to a user to optimize the signal strength and signal to noise aspects of wireless connections to and from orthopedic implants.

A method and apparatus for metal implant contact detection through capacitive measurements is provided. Capacitive measurement is accomplished with a conductive wire/lead, for example a main needle. The measured capacitance as the main needle is moved through the skin and tissues increases, then jumps when the main needle makes contact with the metal implant, thus proving the metal implant exists and the location of the metal implant. The jump in capacitive measurement is detectable because the area of capacitance has gone from the main needle to the main needle plus the surface area of the metal implant surface area. The apparatus may also have a reference needle for taking reference needle capacitive measurements in the tissues surrounding the metal implant to increase the accuracy during use of the apparatus. A housing is provided for supporting the main and reference needles and supporting or housing apparatus electronics.

Systems, devices and methods are disclosed for addressing body conditions, monitoring body conditions and adapting treatment of internal and/or external body conditions.

A system is disclosed herein for providing a kinetic assessment and preparation of a prosthetic joint comprising one or more prosthetic components. The system comprises a prosthetic component including sensors and circuitry configured to measure load, position of load on a curved surface, joint stability, range of motion, and impingement. In one embodiment, the system is for a cup and ball joint of a musculoskeletal system. The system further includes a computer having a display configured to graphical display quantitative measurement data to support rapid assimilation of the information. The kinetic assessment measures joint alignment under loading that will be similar to that of a final joint installation. The kinetic assessment can use trial or permanent prosthetic components. Furthermore, adjustments can be made to the applied load magnitude, position of load, and joint alignment by various means to fine-tune an installation.

A system is disclosed herein for providing a kinetic assessment and preparation of a prosthetic joint comprising one or more prosthetic components. The system comprises a prosthetic component including sensors and circuitry configured to measure load, position of load on a curved surface, joint stability, range of motion, and impingement. In one embodiment, the system is for a ball and socket joint of a musculoskeletal system. The system further includes a computer having a display configured to graphical display quantitative measurement data to support rapid assimilation of the information. The kinetic assessment measures joint alignment under loading that will be similar to that of a final joint installation. The kinetic assessment can use trial or permanent prosthetic components. Furthermore, adjustments can be made to the applied load magnitude, position of load, and joint alignment by various means to fine-tune an installation.

A system is disclosed herein for providing a kinetic assessment and preparation of a prosthetic joint comprising one or more prosthetic components. The system comprises a prosthetic component including sensors and circuitry configured to measure load, position of load on a curved surface, joint stability, range of motion, and impingement. In one embodiment, the system is for a ball and socket joint of a musculoskeletal system. The system further includes a computer having a display configured to graphical display quantitative measurement data to support rapid assimilation of the information. The kinetic assessment measures joint alignment under loading that will be similar to that of a final joint installation. The kinetic assessment can use trial or permanent prosthetic components. Furthermore, adjustments can be made to the applied load magnitude, position of load, and joint alignment by various means to fine-tune an installation.

An implantable device includes at least one solid structure having an external surface and a volume beneath the surface. One or more of a first conductor or set of conductors is disposed externally and/or internally on or within the structure and an array of elongate electrically conductive elements are disposed radially outwardly within the volume. A breach is detected when a conductive fluid intrudes into the volume through the surface.