San Diego doctors aim to revolutionize joint health with controversial smart shoulder implant

In December 2024, Scripps Health, a nonprofit health care system located in the United States, announced that its researchers received a significant grant award from the National Institutes of Health. The $317,000 funding is intended for the development of a 'smart shoulder' implant designed to improve patient care following shoulder replacement surgeries. This initial phase of research is set to take place over the next two years at the Shiley Center for Orthopaedic Research and Education at Scripps Clinic on Torrey Pines Mesa. The objective of this research is to create a prototype implant that incorporates wireless technology, sensors, and rechargeable power to allow for continuous remote monitoring of the shoulder's condition post-surgery. According to a statement released by Scripps, this innovative implant will not only serve as a functional shoulder replacement but will also act as a research tool by recording and transmitting data from inside the patient's shoulder. Real-time metrics such as mechanical forces, temperature, and range of motion will be collected to provide invaluable insights into the implant's performance. Dr. Darryl D'Lima, the director of orthopedic research at Scripps Health and one of the lead investigators on the project, emphasized the importance of this initiative, noting that the number of shoulder replacement surgeries has been on the rise in the United States. This trend underscores the need for enhanced research and data collection to improve prosthetics and rehabilitation strategies for patients. Alongside Dr. Heinz Hoenecke, an orthopedic surgeon at Scripps Clinic and co-lead investigator, the team aims to leverage this funding to develop better solutions for shoulder surgery patients. Previous advancements in orthopedic prosthetic technology were noted in Scripps History, particularly the milestone in 2004 when Dr. Clifford Colwell implanted the world’s first electronic knee prosthesis. The new project mirrors these innovative efforts, with Scripps seeking to push the boundaries of orthopedic care once again. After the two-year research phase, the team plans to apply for additional grant funding to conduct clinical studies based on the findings from the smart shoulder implant prototype. This initiative, which marks a critical step towards integrating advanced technology in orthopedic procedures, aims to foster better post-operative outcomes for patients undergoing shoulder replacements.