Polydimethylsiloxane pressure sensors for force analysis in tension band wiring of the olecranon

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Several different surgical techniques are used in the treatment of olecranon fractures. Tension band wiring is one of the most preferred options by surgeons worldwide. The concept of this technique is to transform a tensile force into a compression force that adjoins two surfaces of a fractured bone. Currently, little is known about the resulting compression force within a fracture.

OBJECTIVE:

Sensor devices are needed that directly transduce the compression force into a measurement quality. This allows the comparison of different surgical techniques. Ideally the sensor devices ought to be placed in the gap between the fractured segments.

METHODS:

The design, development and characterization of miniaturized pressure sensors fabricated entirely from polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) for a placement within a fracture is presented. The pressure sensors presented in this work are tested, calibrated and used in an experimental in vitro study.

RESULTS:

The pressure sensors are highly sensitive with an accuracy of approximately 3 kPa. A flexible fabrication process for various possible applications is described. The first in vitro study shows that using a single-twist or double-twist technique in tension band wiring of the olecranon has no significant effect on the resulting compression forces.

CONCLUSIONS:

The in vitro study shows the feasibility of the proposed measurement technique and the results of a first exemplary study.