Design and Development of a Smart Internet of Things (IoT)-based Monitoring System for Real-Time Health and Performance Tracking of Knee Implants

Knee implant surgeries are increasingly common for patients with severe arthritis or traumatic injuries. However, post-operative complications such as implant loosening, wear, or infections remain significant concerns. This study proposes a Smart IoT-Based Knee Implant Monitoring System (SIKIMS) that continuously tracks critical biomechanical and physiological parameters, enabling early detection of implant-related issues and improving patient outcomes. The system integrates MEMS-based sensors (accelerometer, gyroscope, temperature, and pressure sensors) embedded within or around the implant region. These sensors capture real-time data on joint load (up to 3000 N), angular movement (0°–135°), temperature fluctuations (30°C–42°C), and gait dynamics. The data is transmitted via a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) module to a cloud-connected gateway, which uses MQTT protocol to send the data securely to a health monitoring dashboard. The proposed SIKIMS provides 24/7 remote monitoring, improving patient compliance and reducing the need for frequent in-clinic evaluations. Additionally, the system supports predictive analytics, issuing early warnings about potential implant degradation, thereby preventing critical failures. Power-efficient design ensures sensor operation for up to 6 months on a single battery charge, making it viable for long-term deployment.