Implantable biosensors for musculoskeletal health

Purpose A healthy musculoskeletal system requires complex functional integration of bone, muscle, cartilage, and connective tissues responsible for bodily support, motion, and the protection of vital organs. Conditions or injuries to musculoskeeltal tissues can devastate an individual's quality of life. Some conditions that are particularly disabling include severe bone and muscle injuries to the extremities and amputations resulting from unmanageable musculoskeletal conditions or injuries. Monitoring and managing musculoskeletal health is intricate because of the complex mechanobiology of these interconnected tissues. Methods For this article, we reviewed literature on implantable biosensors related to clinical data of the musculoskeletal system, therapeutics for complex bone injuries, and osseointegrated prosthetics as example applications. Results As a result, a brief summary of biosensors technologies is provided along with review of noteworthy biosensors and future developments needed to fully realize the translational benefit of biosensors for musculoskeletal health. Conclusions Novel implantable biosensors capable of tracking biophysical parameters in vivo are highly relevant to musculoskeletal health because of their ability to collect clinical data relevant to medical decisions, complex trauma treatment, and the performance of osseointegrated prostheses.