Fiber-optic sensors for biomedical applications

人们普遍认为，人体关节软骨退行性变与关节受力分布有关。然而，目前髋部接触应力离体测量的最佳实践仅限于静态测量，容易产生显著的测量误差，并且其应用过程对关节具有高度破坏性。在拟议的研究中，我们将开发一种传感器，以实现关节离体实验中接触应力的微创测量。这种传感器将基于一种常见的光纤器件，即光纤内布拉格光栅。它将使离体研究成为可能，在这种研究中，关节的自然力学在一定程度上得到了保存，这是目前的传感器技术所不可能做到的。传感器的微创特性将：(1)减少由于传感器存在于关节表面之间而对接触力学的破坏，并且；(2)通过消除切除关节囊和断开关节的需要来保持自然的加压流体润滑。这种传感器也将在假肢关节的离体和体内力学研究中得到应用。

It is widely believed that cartilage degeneration at human joints is related to how force is distributed across the joint. However, the current best practice for ex vivo measurement of contact stress in the hip is limited to static measurements only, is subject to significant measurement errors, and the procedure for its application is highly disruptive to the joint. In the proposed research, we will develop a sensor to enable minimally-invasive measurement of contact stress in ex vivo experiments in articular joints. This sensor will be based on a common fiber-optic device, the in-fiber Bragg grating. It will enable ex vivo investigations in which the natural mechanics of articular joints are preserved to a degree that is not possible with current sensor technology. The minimally-invasive nature of the sensor will: (1) reduce disruption of contact mechanics due to the presence of the sensor between the articular surfaces, and; (2) preserve natural pressurized fluid lubrication by eliminating the need to resect the joint capsule and disarticulate the joint. This sensor will also have application in both ex vivo and in vivo studies of the mechanics of prosthethic joints.