Smart instrumentation targets optimal joint hardware installation. Intelligent implants target the chronic assessment of joint health and hardware condition. Intelligent implants would facilitate the collection of data, closing the loop to drive best surgical practice, joint system design, and the improvement of outcomes. Intelligent devices could assist post-op in managing pain and promoting recovery. Intelligent implants could offer opportunity for early detection and less invasive intervention should problems arise acutely, or even long after implant. While the development of smart instrumentation is tactically important, the development of intelligent implants is vital to the improvement of outcomes, and should be central to the strategic vision for orthopedic technology development. Define “smart” instruments in orthopedics and why there is a need for developing these devices to achieve optimal joint hardware installation. Define “intelligent” implants in orthopedics and why there is a need for developing these devices to facilitate the collection of data, and thereby “closing the loop” with smart instrumentation to drive best surgical practice and joint system design. Review clinical benefits of intelligent implants in post-operation pain management and recovery, as well as early problem detection facilitating less invasive intervention both acutely and chronically. Understand the latest advances in sensors and related technologies for orthopedic implants and implementing best practices for their use in medical design. Describe the reduction to practice of an intelligent implant tray capable of measuring and monitoring load, position, and the early onset of infection, and capable of delivering neuro-stimulation for pain management.KEY DISCUSSION POINTS
