UCLA

The ability to determine the level of support a cast provides to a fractured arm through the course of healing does not currently exist yet is very useful information in being proactive to make adjustments to the fit of the cast. The method to which these measurements can occur is constrained by the physician's constraints which require a non-invasive, compact solution that can continuously monitor the level of support at a reasonable interval while maintaining a simple and low-cost implementation. These objectives require the use of the latest in textile innovation. The SmartCast system utilizes textile properties to create pressure resistive sensors that can be directly placed between the injured arm and the cast while not impacting patient comfort. The development of this system has allowed the provision of level of support information validated with the initial cast-based tests.