EC Orthopaedics

Review Article Volume 14 Issue 6 - 2023

Applications of Intelligent Implants for Infection Control in Orthopaedics: An Innovative Approach

Siamak Sarrafan1*, Muhammad Iftikhar Hanif2, Vinnith Ramamurti2, Talha Sultan3 and Batoul Beheshti4

1International Medical School, MSU, Malaysia

2Faculty of Medicine, AIMST University, Kedah, Malaysia

3Department of Molecular Biology and Forensic Science, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan

4University Malaya Medical Centre, University Malaya, Malaysia

*Corresponding Author: Siamak Sarrafan, International Medical School, Management and Science University, Shah Alam, Malaysia.
Received: May 31, 2023; Published: June 30, 2023



Orthopedic infections pose significant challenges in patient outcomes and healthcare costs. Despite various infection control measures, implant-related infections remain a significant concern in clinical practice. This article explores the potential applications of intelligent implants for infection control in orthopaedics. Intelligent implants, advanced medical devices integrated with technology, offer precise functionality and personalized care. They can be categorized based on their function, purpose, and technology, including load monitoring, joint specificity, sensor-based or actuator-based features, application specificity, connectivity capabilities, and data-driven insights. Intelligent implants can integrate with artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) techniques to enhance infection detection, prevention, and management. AI algorithms can analyse implant data, patient-specific factors, and environmental variables to identify potential infection cases, predict infection likelihood, and adjust drug delivery systems for personalized treatment plans. This innovative approach has the potential to revolutionize infection control in orthopaedics, improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs.

Keywords: Intelligent Implants; Infection Control; Orthopaedics; Artificial Intelligence; Machine Learning

  1. Whitehouse, James D., et al. “The Impact of Surgical-Site Infections Following Orthopedic Surgery at a Community Hospital and a University Hospital Adverse Quality of Life, Excess Length of Stay, and Extra Cost”. Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology 4 (2002): 183-189.
  2. Trampuz Andrej and Andreas F Widmer. “Infections Associated with Orthopedic Implants”. Current Opinion in Infectious Diseases4 (2006): 349-356.
  3. Trampuz Andrej and Werner Zimmerli. “Antimicrobial Agents in Orthopaedic Surgery”. Drugs8 (2006): 1089-1105.
  4. Gao Guangzheng., et al. “The Biocompatibility and Biofilm Resistance of Implant Coatings Based on Hydrophilic Polymer Brushes Conjugated with Antimicrobial Peptides”. Biomaterials 16 (2011): 3899-3909.
  5. Schömig Friederike and Michael Putzier. “Clinical Presentation and Diagnosis of Delayed Postoperative Spinal Implant Infection”. Journal of Spine Surgery 4 (2020): 772-776.
  6. Hanif Muhammad I., et al. “Internet of Things (IoT) towards Specialty-Specific Internet of Orthopaedic Things (IOT): The Evolution and Applications of Internet of Medical Things (IoMT)”. EC Orthopaedics 14 (2023): 37-51.
  7. Wang Xiaohong. “Bioartificial Organ Manufacturing Technologies”. Cell Transplantation 1 (2018): 5-17.
  8. Gaobotse Goabaone., et al. “Non-Invasive Smart Implants in Healthcare: Redefining Healthcare Services Delivery through Sensors and Emerging Digital Health Technologies”. Sensors International 3 (2022): 100156.
  9. Iyengar Karthikeyan P., et al. “Significant Capabilities of SMART Sensor Technology and Their Applications for Industry 4.0 in Trauma and Orthopaedics”. Sensors International 3 (2022): 100163.
  10. Ledet Eric H., et al. “Smart Implants in Orthopedic Surgery, Improving Patient Outcomes: A Review”. Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Health 5 (2018): 41-51.
  11. O’Connor Cody and Asimina Kiourti. “Wireless Sensors for Smart Orthopedic Implants”. Journal of Bio- and Tribo-Corrosion 2 (2017).
  12. Ferguson John E and A David Redish. “Wireless Communication with Implanted Medical Devices Using the Conductive Properties of the Body”. Expert Review of Medical Devices 4 (2011): 427-433.
  13. Ren Mark and Paul HYi. “Artificial Intelligence in Orthopedic Implant Model Classification: A Systematic Review”. Skeletal Radiology (2021).
  14. Bergmann Georg., et al. “High-Tech Hip Implant for Wireless Temperature Measurements in Vivo”. PLoS ONE 8 (2012): e43489.
  15. Hall Thomas AG., et al. “Simple Smart Implants: Simultaneous Monitoring of Loosening and Temperature in Orthopaedics with an Embedded Ultrasound Transducer”. IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Circuits and Systems 1 (2021): 102-110.
  16. Cloutier M., et al. “Antibacterial Coatings: Challenges, Perspectives, and Opportunities”. Trends in Biotechnology 11 (2015): 637-652.
  17. Qing Yun’an., et al. “Potential Antibacterial Mechanism of Silver Nanoparticles and the Optimization of Orthopedic Implants by Advanced Modification Technologies”. International Journal of Nanomedicine 13 (2018): 3311-3327.
  18. Riool M., et al. “A Chlorhexidine-Releasing Epoxy-Based Coating on Titanium Implants Prevents Staphylococcus Aureus Experimental Biomaterial-Associated Infection”. European Cells and Materials 33 (2107): 143-157.
  19. Jiang Chao., et al. “The Efficacy of Triclosan-Coated Sutures for Preventing Surgical Site Infections in Orthopedic Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis”. Asian Journal of Surgery 2 (2021): 506-507.
  20. Meng Ellis and Tuan Hoang. “Micro- and Nano-Fabricated Implantable Drug-Delivery Systems”. Therapeutic Delivery 12 (2012): 1457-1467.
  21. Yang Wan-Wan and Erik Pierstorff. “Reservoir-Based Polymer Drug Delivery Systems”. Journal of Laboratory Automation 1 (2012): 50-58.
  22. Mazidi Zahra., et al. “Smart Stimuli-Responsive Implantable Drug Delivery Systems for Programmed and On-Demand Cancer Treatment: An Overview on the Emerging Materials”. Chemical Engineering Journal 433 (2022): 134569.
  23. Zoubos Aristides B., et al. “Orthopaedic and Biofilm. What We Know? A Review”. Medical Science Monitor 6 (2012): RA89-RA96.
  24. Hong Qimin., et al. “Smart Nanomaterials for Treatment of Biofilm in Orthopedic Implants”. Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology 9 (2021).
  25. Ehrlich Garth D., et al. “Engineering Approaches for the Detection and Control of Orthopaedic Biofilm Infections”. Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research 437 (2005): 59-66.
  26. Linta Iftikhar., et al. “Internet of Things (IoT) Towards Specialty-Specific Internet of Orthopaedic Things (IOT): The Evolution and Applications of Internet of Medical Things (IoMT)”. EC Orthopaedics 3 (2023): 37-51.

Siamak Sarrafan., et al. “Applications of Intelligent Implants for Infection Control in Orthopaedics: An Innovative Approach”. EC Orthopaedics 14.6 (2023): 61-67.