Smart Cast

The Need

Fractures represent a significant medical problem in the United States with approximately 6.8 million fractures coming to medical attention annually. Many complications can occur during the healing process including compartment syndrome, ischemia, heat injury, pressure sores, and neurologic injury. Communicating pain and discomfort to physicians is a challenge particularly for high-risk patients who cannot effectively communicate such as those who are nonverbal, comatose, young children, or have nerve damage.

The Solution

CastBuddy is an integrated sensor sleeve worn underneath the orthopedic cast during the healing process. The CastBuddy is designed to provide pressure and electromyographical (EMG) data to clinicians in order to avoid complications due to cast immobilization. The CastBuddy is designed to have minimal impact on the casting process and is targeted towards high-risk patients. The design incorporates flexible pressure sensors, EMG circuitry, and a user interface to display data for physicians to determine if conditions could be harmful to the patient.