Smart patch to detect early onset of osteoarthritis

Scientists at Cardiff University have launched a bid to create a smart patch designed to detect the early onset of osteoarthritis in patients’ knees.

The researchers believe that a disposable patch could be created which uses sensors to catch subsonic cracking sounds in the joints before the disease progresses.

They believe the cheap screening tool could be used to save the expensive diagnosis and treatment of advanced osteoarthritis.

Figures from Arthritis Research UK show that around 8.75 million people have sought treatment for osteoarthritis, a condition which causes audible grating in the joints due to damage otherwise know as ’crepitus’.

However, in the early stages of the disease the grating noises are emitted at high non-audible frequencies, which, the researchers hope can be picked up by the sensor patch enabling earlier detection.

Dr Davide Crivelli, of the School of Engineering, explained: "The idea has got huge potential to change the way we diagnose osteoarthritis (OA).

"If we're able to link the sound signature of a healthy knee and a knee with disease, we will be able to lower the costs on society a lot."

Prof Cathy Holt, director of the university's musculoskeletal biomechanics research facility, said: “The key thing is most people, once they have got joint pain, it's too late - they have got the disease already. Whereas, there might be points where we can intervene earlier.

"So, the holy grail really is some sort of screening tool."

The prototype is due to be ready within a year, and if trial proves successful, the product could be in surgeries within seven or eight years.