Smart Solutions for enhancedbone & joint health in
an ageing population
an ageing population
University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein
The University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH) is the second-largest university hospital in Germany, renowned for combining cutting-edge international research with interdisciplinary patient care. Within the SmILE project, two research institutes from UKSH are actively involved:
The Institute of Social Medicine and Epidemiology (ISE) focuses on research and teaching in areas such as the epidemiology of chronic diseases, evaluation of prevention programs, quality of life research, nursing and rehabilitation research, student health, and evidence-based medicine. The institute is currently engaged in nearly 100 research projects.
The Clinic for Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery (KOU) leads orthopedic and trauma care efforts and manages the Trauma Center North, part of the UKSH Emergency Department. The team has extensive experience in designing, conducting, and evaluating clinical trials—particularly in orthopedic and trauma care and implant development. They are regularly involved in industry-sponsored clinical studies. KOU’s research focuses on fracture management, the development of new implants in collaboration with various manufacturers, and addressing complications related to implant use. Their contributions also include clinical trials on stem cell-based therapies for pseudarthrosis and work on improving the transferability of diagnostic scores between conventional radiologic imaging and computed tomography.
Role within SmILE
ISE is responsible for involving (future) patients throughout the entire research process and the development of smart implants within the broader SmILE project. A key focus is the establishment of a patient advisory board and the facilitation of an ongoing dialogue between researchers and patient representatives. This ensures that the research remains aligned with the real needs and perspectives of patients.
KOU leads the shoulder ligament sensor use case and is responsible for the preclinical testing of implant prototypes. The team contributes to several work packages, helping to define medical requirements, ensure clinical relevance, conduct motion and musculoskeletal analyses across all use cases, and support the development of the European Musculoskeletal Database.
Main contacts
The ISE is pleased to bring the perspective of (future) patients to this innovative project, which aims to use digital solutions and artificial intelligence to improve recovery from surgery and enhance the health of older people with musculoskeletal conditions. This will help ensure that the research addresses the needs of those affected and is accepted by patients. We are delighted to contribute our expertise to this multidisciplinary consortium.
SmILE’s approach to designing an intelligent implant represents a major step forward. It will not only provide sensor-enabled solutions for current implants but also create a blueprint for future implant innovations.