Wearable Sleeve for Growth Modulation Monitoring

Abstract

Jointelligence addresses the growth modulation surgery implant problem in collaboration with Phoenix Children’s Hospital and Dr. Mohan Bethlur, Dr. Subham Badhyal, and Benjamin Fife. Genu Valgum and Genu Varum (known as knock and bowed knees, respectively) are orthopedic conditions affecting pediatric patients. This condition is treated with titanium 8-plates being surgically fixed near the knee joint using two screws to restrict growth on one side of the femur, allowing the opposite side to grow and realign the leg. These implants typically remain for six months to two years, after which patients must undergo a removal surgery. However, about 15% of patients miss this procedure, leading to overcorrection. Tracking bone progression post-surgery is challenging due to individual variations in growth and limited follow-up communication. Currently, no solution exists to monitor bone alignment in real time or alert clinicians when intervention is needed. To solve this, our team designed a wearable knee sleeve with woven flex sensors that can track the rate of bone growth of users via angle measurements. Patients will record angle data bi-weekly, and will send the recording to a patient compliance app that we designed in accordance with the knee sleeve. The connected app will compile and transmit this data to doctors, allowing them to assess healing remotely and issue alerts if a follow-up procedure is required. Key findings from our flex sensor test show that the voltage (V) to angle (degrees) relationship shows a linear regression value of 0.958, demonstrating that the device is a viable method to calculate bone growth. This product establishes a non-invasive, continuous monitoring method that enhances doctor-patient communication, prevents overcorrection, and reduces unnecessary surgeries.

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