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CastMinder
1. CastMinder - Embedded Smart Sensors and
Companion Software to Detect the Onset of
Conditions Associated with Cast and Splint
Complications and to Promote Patient Healing
in Orthopedic Casts and Splints
By: Alexander Wulff
2. Introduction
Common orthopedic casts and splints, such as waterproof casts and the conventional plaster or
fiberglass variety, have been widely adopted for use in the healing of bone fractures. While these casts
and splints are proven to be quite effective in immobilizing and protecting the injured area, they are prone
to complications such as compartment syndrome, infections, pressure sores, or the decay of flesh inside
of the cast. A “smart” cast or splint with the ability to detect and notify the wearer, as well as physician, of
the onset of such issues would mitigate many of the complications that arise from wearing orthopedic
casts and splints. Moreover, conventional casts and splints have no active ability to repair broken or
fractured bone or lessen patient pain; thus, the integration of bone-growth stimulating and pain-lessoning
devices inside of the cast or splint would be highly beneficial to the wearer. Prior research done
elsewhere incorporated pressure sensors into orthopedic casts. However, none have combined such
sensors with “active” bone growth stimulation abilities, and a larger spectrum of sensing capabilities, such
as temperature and moisture. Furthermore, no previous work has integrated companion mobile software,
algorithms to predict the onset of complications, or visual and haptic feedback to alert clinicians or the
wearer to pending complications.
3. Research Question
Can I design and fabricate a reasonably-priced orthopedic
cast and splint monitoring system that can reduce the risk of
complications and promote active bone healing and pain
management, with the ability to alert patients and physicians
to changes in the status of the cast in real time?
4. Further Technical
Information
Further information about CastMinder is detailed on my
poster: http://www.coniferapps.com/CastMinder_Smaller.pdf
Please visit this link to view testing data, photos, project
evolution, and more.