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Ubiquitous eHealth Solution for Fracture Orthopaedic Rehabilitation

Lead Research Organisation: University of Bradford
Department Name: Faculty of Engineering and Informatics

Abstract

The population in Europe is living longer and healthier, and that is a great achievement. On the other hand, an ageing population raises major financial and social challenges. One in four (25%) persons living in Europe could be aged 65+ by 2050. The greater expectancy of life in Europe is posing serious challenges to healthcare, namely through the associated increasing incidence of various diseases, as well as health conditions, which the elderly are mostly prone. One of the latter conditions is bone fractures, which can typically occur as a consequence of osteoporosis. Furthermore, the consequences of associated complications in fracture recovering include further costs, not only for the patient but also for the European society in general. To address such growing issue, the multidisciplinary consortium of ROBUST takes this as a challenging use case for demonstrating the relevance and proficiency of smart mobile eHealth systems as innovative solutions to address surging issues in our ageing society.
ROBUST targets developing a new concept and platform for remote monitoring of patients' healing process, in the eHealth domain. An integrated mobile eHealth system will be devised exploiting recent advances in RF-based sensing technologies, which are being investigated in this consortium. The system will be able to respond promptly to dynamic and complex situations, while preserving control, safety and privacy, in a reliable and energy efficiency manner. The ROBUST system will include a fast feedback loop that dynamically processes sensing information to generate, accordingly, instructions to the patient, encompassing cognitive and learning capabilities as well. ROBUST is committed to create an exceptional network, which is multidisciplinary and intersectoral in nature, for staff exchange in the mobile eHealth field, namely targeting structure training and knowledge sharing towards enhancing the European innovation capacity in relevant eHealth systems and applications
 
Description • The team in Bradford successfully designed two types of RF sensors capable of detecting femur bone fractures, which have been shared with our EU partners.
• Utilizing our 2D bone fracture data model, we have demonstrated that the incorporation of AI enhances the estimated accuracy of bone fracture detection.
• Additionally, the team developed a robust data set as a foundation for the AI process. This data encompasses a frequency range of around 2GHz and 4GHz. We are currently working to complete the 3D data model for the wideband spectrum, which will be shared with our EU partners at a later date.
Exploitation Route After the completion of the 3D data generated by the Bradford team using RF sensors to create bone models, this data is expected to be utilized by our EU partners. At Bradford, we are working on implementing the RF sensor system in conjunction with a nano-analyzer for potential application in patients with fractures.
Sectors Digital/Communication/Information Technologies (including Software)

Education

Healthcare
 
Description Monitoring and healing process of the Tibia bone fractures 
Organisation Khalifa University
Country United Arab Emirates 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution I am integrated into the collaboration of grant application that is awarded in Jan 2025 for four years by Khalifa University. I am named as International partner on the project in supporting the design sensor and the AI implementation of such project process. The project is led by my colleague Dr Nazar T Ali at Khalifa University. The project is also included and academic European partner from Hungary.
Collaborator Contribution It is a bit early to address such section at teh moment, however, I am excited to share my contributions to a collaborative grant application awarded in January 2025, which will span four years and is led by my esteemed colleague, Dr. Nazar T. Ali, at Khalifa University. As an international partner on this project, I play a critical role in supporting the design of advanced sensors and the implementation of artificial intelligence within the project's processes. My expertise in these areas enables our team to innovate and enhance the project's outcomes significantly. This collaboration also includes a valued academic partner from Hungary, fostering a rich exchange of knowledge and expertise across borders. Together, we aim to leverage our diverse backgrounds to tackle complex challenges and advance research in sensor technology and AI applications. My involvement not only enhances the project's technical dimensions but also strengthens international ties in academia, promoting a global approach to addressing emerging technological needs. Overall, I am committed to ensuring the success of this partnership, contributing actively to the project's objectives, and facilitating the integration of cutting-edge technologies that will ultimately benefit both our institutions and the broader scientific community.
Impact Here is one shared outputs: Altunaiji, Mohamed Alhajri, Dragan Olcan and Raed Abd-Alhameed (2024), "Properties of Type-2 Complex Conjugate Pair Sums and Their Applications", APSIPA Transactions on Signal and Information Processing: Vol. 13: No. 1, e32. DOI:10.1561/116.20240056 http://dx.doi.org/10.1561/116.20240056 now publishers - Properties of Type-2 Complex Conjugate Pair Sums and Their Applications
Start Year 2025
 
Description Development of Smart and Sustainable Cities with Wireless Autonomous Sensing 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Keynote Speaker at the Industry-University Workshop, at Tanta University, Egypt.
College of Engineering, Tanta University, Egypt.
Title of the speech: Development of Smart and Sustainable Cities with Wireless Autonomous Sensing.
Number of people attending or exposed to the dissemination event was above 40 from academic staff, industry and research students.
This is part of the UK - Egypt Trans-National Education Partnerships Grants, "Going Global Partnerships Trans-National Education Grants", between the Universities of Bradford and Tanta University.
Summary of teh talk:
From the health care perspective, the talk presents some solutions to assess a system of unobtrusive, non-invasive monitoring approaches to promote quality healthy living and prevent accidents that are inimical to it. This can also be seen as the first phase of healthcare by ensuring timely assistance, especially in critical circumstances, such as in the case of a fall. Based on the outcomes of the project carried out by the University of Bradford, the project was able to show cost-effective supervision, prompt intervention when required, and greater well-being for persons with disabilities and elderly people in care and residential homes.
Furthermore, the talk highlights the importance of integrating advanced technology into everyday monitoring systems, which can significantly enhance the quality of care provided. By utilizing sensors and wearable devices, caregivers can receive real-time data about the health and activity levels of their patients, allowing for proactive measures to be taken before minor issues escalate into serious health concerns.
Additionally, the talk aims to align with the NHS, care homes, and agencies on system implementation, emphasizing the need for collaboration and shared resources to optimize healthcare delivery. This alignment not only ensures better health outcomes but also offers economic benefits to individuals, communities, and the environment. Ultimately, the goal is to create a sustainable healthcare model that prioritizes preventive care and promotes a healthier lifestyle for everyone. By leveraging innovative monitoring technologies, we can enhance the overall quality of life for vulnerable populations, ensuring they can live safely and independently for as long as possible.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2024
 
Description Real-time Monitoring of Femur Fractures with AI enhanced RF Sensors 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Postgraduate students
Results and Impact RF sensors offer a non-invasive method to monitor the healing of fractures by detecting changes in the dielectric properties of bone. While they provide valuable data, it's important to note that they complement rather than replace traditional imaging methods like X-rays. These sensors add a continuous monitoring dimension, which may capture certain aspects of healing not visible in intermittent imaging.
Integrating AI with RF sensor data enables precise identification of bone healing stages and offers real-time insights for clinicians. This aids in the early detection of healing issues, informs personalized rehabilitation plans, and helps predict healing outcomes, enhancing patient care and reducing complications.
This technology advances patient care by enabling continuous bone healing monitoring, which offers a comprehensive understanding of recovery and identifies any irregularities promptly. It also reduces patient discomfort by decreasing the need for repeated X-rays and lowers radiation exposure. Moreover, access to immediate and precise data supports clinicians in making well-informed decisions and tailoring treatment plans to individual patient needs.
Initial simulations of a system for femur fracture management have shown promising results in distinguishing healing stages through distinct RF signal patterns, outperforming conventional methods in sensitivity and specificity. The system's ability to distinguish healing stages could potentially enhance femur fracture management by providing more accurate diagnoses and treatment plans. As the simulations progress, we hope to see even better results that could revolutionize the way femur fractures are managed. This approach holds immense potential to improve patient outcomes, reduce healthcare costs, and transform orthopedics by enabling personalized, data-driven care.
This also appeared in 23. Ahmad Aldelemy, Prince O. Siaw, Ebenezer Adjei, Raed A. Abd-Alhameed, Real-time Monitoring of Femur Fractures with AI enhanced RF Sensors, URSI UK Symposium, National Physics Laboratory, Teddington, Feb 21, 2024, P5-2.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2024
 
Description Ubiquitous eHealth Solution for Fracture Orthopaedic Rehabilitation 
Form Of Engagement Activity A magazine, newsletter or online publication
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Patients, carers and/or patient groups
Results and Impact The URI and EU Horizon, MSCA Research & Innovation Exchange project (FractuRe Orthopaedic Rehabilitation: Ubiquitous eHealth Solution) project is being undertaken in partnership with European colleagues from Portugal, Greece and Spain, with leading Bradford team Professor Raed Abd-Alhameed, John Buckley, Maryann Hardy and Rami Qahwaji. The project has 'kicked-off' with a review paper about "Exploring Radio Frequency Techniques for Bone Fracture Detection: A Comprehensive Review of Low Frequency and Microwave Approaches.", which has been published in Ann Rev Research (2023) 10(1): 1-21: ARR.MS.ID.555778. doi: 10.19080/ARR.2023.10.555778; Direct link: https://juniperpublishers.com/arr/current-issue-arr.php.
The present work focuses on fractures of the femur that pose a considerable medical obstacle due to their propensity for extended times of healing and the accompanying consequences. The monitoring of the healing process is of utmost importance to maximise patient outcomes and provide appropriate clinical treatments. The assessment of femur fracture healing has traditionally been conducted through periodic clinical examinations and radiographic assessments. However, these methods offer only limited real-time insights into the dynamic character of the recovery process. To bridge this existing void, our protocol proposes the incorporation of state-of-the-art technology, specifically Radio Frequency (RF) sensors and strain gauge devices, to enable the ongoing and non-intrusive monitoring of femur fracture healing within the confines of a home environment
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2024
URL https://flipbook.brandbits.com/f442a3d28c/index.html