Feasibility analysis of utilizing a capacitive sensor to detect failure in lumbar total disc replacements

Alyssa Brune, Purdue University

Abstract

The objective of this research was to evaluate if a capacitive sensor could be used to detect indications of failure in lumbar disc replacements. Lumbar disc replacement failure is often caused by wear of the ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene layer of the disc replacement. Wear is a problem that is not generally detectable until the patient experiences pain at which point total failure of the disc replacement is likely. The ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene layer of the disc replacement was modeled and tested under various load and wear conditions to determine if these conditions, which have been linked to potential failure of the replacement, elicited a change in capacitance readings. The wear conditions generally resulted in increased capacitance readings, while the high load situations resulted in decreased capacitance readings. It was concluded that a capacitive sensor is capable of predicting the potential failure of a lumbar disc replacement as evidenced by changes in capacitance readings.

Degree

M.S.A.B.E.

Advisors

Krutz, Purdue University.

Subject Area

Biomedical engineering|Surgery|Materials science

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