Fiber-optic sensors for biomedical applications

人们普遍认为，人类关节的软骨退化与力在关节中的分配方式有关。然而，目前髋关节接触应力的体外测量的最佳实践仅限于静态测量，存在显著的测量误差，并且其应用程序对关节具有极大的破坏性。在拟议的研究中，我们将开发一种传感器，使其能够在关节的体外实验中对接触应力进行微创测量。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。它将使体外研究成为可能，在这些研究中，关节的自然力学被保存到目前的传感器技术所不可能达到的程度。该传感器的微创特性将：(1)减少由于传感器在关节表面之间的存在而造成的接触力学中断；以及(2)通过消除切除关节囊和分离关节的需要来保护自然加压流体润滑。该传感器还将在假体关节力学的体外和体内研究中得到应用。

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.