Empa has developed a novel sensor to help doctors monitor broken bones as they grow back together. They can now decide whether the healing process is progressing normally or whether there is a danger that the fracture or implants might be overloaded. An electronics-free sensor offers many advantages not least of the financial kind. In the new Empa sensor the data is read out by means of an ultrasonic scanner. The solution is in the form of a small, hollow spiral which sits on the implant together with a fluid reservoir.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has given the 510 (k) clearance to Cardo Medical’s Align 360 Total Knee System. The product will be available in the market by mid-2009. The system features a distinct modular approach and a common instrumentation system. The novel minimally invasive solution is designed to help surgeons in achieving better surgical outcomes. Now, the Align 360 platform becomes a complete solution for of uni-compartmental, bi-compartmental and tri-compartmental arthritis.