Advancements in fracture aftercare
Controlled motion by design and continuous implant load monitoring
10th August 2026, 19:00 to 20:00 BST
Overview
Fracture healing assessment and follow‑up decisions such as when to increase weight bearing often rely on intermittent radiographs and clinical judgement. This webinar presents two complementary AO approaches aimed at improving confidence in these decisions. First, the biphasic plate concept is designed to provide controlled interfragmentary motion (IFM) through implant mechanics. Second, the AO Fracture Monitor measures bone‑plate deformation during functional loading, which can serve as a surrogate marker of healing progression and help support more patient‑specific rehabilitation. We highlight the principle, selected preclinical evidence, and early first‑in‑human experience.
Aims
The aim of this webinar is to improve surgeons’ understanding of how fixation design and implant‑based monitoring can support postoperative fracture follow‑up and weight‑bearing decisions beyond conventional radiographic assessment.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this webinar, attendees should be able to:
- Describe the impact of the mechanical fracture environment on bone healing and how different fixation concepts influence fracture healing conditions.
- Recognise how implant‑based monitoring can provide objective input to support patient‑specific rehabilitation and weight‑bearing decisions.
Panellists
Our panellists include:
Prof. Boyko Gueorguiev
Prof. Boyko Gueorguiev is Emeritus R&D Advisor and Deputy Program Leader Biomedical Development at the AO Research Institute Davos. He is the President of the European Orthopaedic Research Society and Fellow of International Orthopaedic Research (FIOR) at the ICORS International College of Fellows.
Prof. Gueorguiev’s research interests include biomechanics of bone fracture fixation, implant and joint biomechanics, and metals, ceramics, and polymers used as biomaterials in medicine.
Manuela Ernst
Manuela Ernst is a Senior Project Leader in Technology Development at the AO Research Institute Davos, where she works on the development and clinical translation of implant‑based technologies in trauma care.
Her work focuses on fracture monitoring technologies and fixation concepts to support fracture healing assessment and rehabilitation aftercare. She is a member of the Orthopaedic Research Society (ORS) Innovation Committee.
Mr Simon Johnson (Chair)
Simon Johnson has been a Consultant in Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery in NHS Tayside since 2015 and has a sub-specialty interest in hand and wrist conditions. He has completed the Pulvertaft Hand Fellowship followed by the British Diploma in Hand Surgery. He was T&O Specialty TPD for East Scotland from 2019 to 2025 and is now the SAC Liaison Member for the Northern Ireland and Military Deaneries and is the T&O e-logbook lead for the UK. He is an examiner for both the FRCS (T&O) and Hand Diploma exams and is on the senior panel for ST1 T&O recruitment. He instructs on the Edinburgh Hand course, ATLS, ETC, M-PHEC, TCCC-CMC, MOSTT and Battlefield ATLS.
He is a Colonel in the Army Medical Reserve, the Consultant Advisor IReserves) for UK Military Trauma & Orthopaedics and the Clinical Director for 215 Multirole Medical Regiment. He is also a race-track doctor with the TOCA safety team supporting the British Touring Car Championship.
CPD
1 Hour
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Recording
A recording of the webinar will be made available on this page in the days following the live broadcast.
