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. Knocked and bowed knees are treated with titanium 8-plates 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, where knocked knees progress to bowed knees. 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 is designing a wearable knee sleeve equipped with four strain gauge sensors capable of recording strain data and transmitting it via Bluetooth to an appropriate interface. Patients will record data weekly, enabling the device to track angular changes that indicate bone alignment progression. 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. This product establishes a non-invasive, continuous monitoring method that enhances doctor-patient communication, prevents overcorrection, and reduces unnecessary surgeries. The sleeve is expected to cost between $50–$105 to manufacture, using simple, biocompatible materials to ensure accessibility and potential insurance coverage for patients of all backgrounds.

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