Microwave sensors for new approach in monitoring hip fracture healing

Cyber-Physical System (CPS) applications in lower-extremity bony-fracture rehabilitation systems require real-time biophysical data. Emerging and interesting solutions are microwave approaches that provide good contrast between hard and soft tissues and between local anomalies inside tissues. Preliminarily some contacting non-invasive planar methods have been investigated in their feasibility of detecting human tissues variations with promising results. In this work we introduce two new microwave planar sensors for a new approach of hip fracture healing follow-up tool. They are designed for improved resolution and penetration at frequencies between 1 to 3 GHz in detecting variations in bone, muscle or fat tissues that are expected during a rehabilitation process. The resonant devices are optimized using Frequency Domain Reflectometry and CST® environment and validated using clinical trials with volunteers. The new approach is validated using clinical trials with volunteers and patients. These outcomes further emphasize the feasibility of devising systems for fracture rehabilitation.