In May, Jacob Sams, MD, performed the first smart total knee replacement in Illinois at Decatur Memorial Hospital, the Herald & Review reported June 23.
The new generation of wireless, smart implants are designed to provide personalized data that can be used to optimize outcomes for patients. They allow for improved remote monitoring, tracking steps, range of motion and other metrics for patients and physicians.
Dr. Sams hailed smart implants as "the future of total knee replacements," according to a June 24 news release.
"The smart knee implant allows unprecedented connection between surgeon and patient," he said in the release. "I'm able to monitor the patient's recovery and get data on meaningful rehabilitation measures that show how the patient is doing."
The technology used for the smart knee implant is used in several other medical devices, including hip replacements, spinal cord stimulators and pacemakers, according to the release.