Sensor-enabled Orthopedic Implants for Musculoskeletal Monitoring

Next-generation smart implants, in addition to providing essential mechanical and physiological functions, can self-monitor, assess bone tissue health, and enable personalized treatment customization. However, integrating traditional orthopedic implants with sensing technologies and their clinical translation remain significant challenges due to stringent implantation requirements and the harsh biological environment. This article emphasizes the importance of biomechanical monitoring and reviews key strategies for integrating sensors with orthopedic implants. Furthermore, this work outlines specific research directions and future perspectives for this rapidly evolving field. Through interdisciplinary design and optimization of key components, these smart implants’ transdermal and transmuscular sensing and communication capabilities are expected to become more efficient and robust, ensuring the technological foundation for successful clinical translation.