Development and validation of a smart harness to study babies with developmental dysplasia of the hip

PROJECT SUMMARY – MANNEN Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is a mechanical disorder that impacts up to 10% of the population at birth, but given a lack of knowledge to inform research and treatment, can result in a lifetime of painful and costly biomechanical problems and osteoarthritis. Improving treatment depends on understanding how a baby interacts with the Pavlik harness mechanical therapy brace at home, yet no research tools exist that allow for such measurements. The purpose of this project is to develop and validate a “smart” harness to enable at home research relating to how babies being treated for DDH interact with the brace. We will (Aim 1) Develop sensors to measure biomechanics within the Pavlik harness, (Aim 2) Embed sensors onto the Pavlik harness and validate via in vitro testing, and (Aim 3) Validate the smart harness with in vivo human subjects testing. The smart harness developed in this study will provide a proof-of-concept research device on which we can design future research and clinical studies to monitor the wear time, body position, and kicking data of babies undergoing DDH treatment, resulting in a more thorough understanding of these modifiable factors on clinical success. This project fits within the overall COBRE theme by focusing on developing and embedding flexible sensors into a therapy device for biomedical applications. The Fabrication, Characterization, and Testing Research Core is critical to the success of this project. Specifically, I will use the advanced manufacturing capabilities and equipment to develop new flexible sensor types in Aim 1. The ElectroForce mechanical testing machine will be required to validate the kicking data from sensors in Aim 2. The 3D scanner will be required to develop computer models of the smart harness in Aim 3 and will be necessary for future computational analysis of the completed device.