IoT-Based Non-invasive and Non-ionizing Bone Fracture Home-Monitoring System

Fractures of various bones represent common musculoskeletal injuries requiring clinical intervention. A standard treatment approach involves the realignment of fractured bones followed by immobilization using a cast. This facilitates a proper bone union over time. Throughout the ossification process, alignment is regularly assessed to ensure appropriate healing and to identify any deviations indicative of malunion or other complications. Radiographic imaging, typically using ionizing X-rays, is the primary modality employed for this monitoring. In this paper, we are evaluating the possibility to carry out non-invasive and non-ionizing monitoring using cost-effective Internet of Things (IoT) -based solutions enabling the usage also for patients at their home locations. The proof-of-concept type examination pointed out that the angular displacement could be detected using simple IoT sensor nodes. Avoiding X-rays is a preferable solution as, especially for children and other vulnerable people, the non-ionizing solutions are safer. It is also possible to use IoT -based systems when being outpatient which is one of the keypoints in this paper.