AO Foundation and Sensirion deepen collaboration through Fracture Monitor project

A joint effort to advance fracture monitoring

The Fracture Monitor project is a long‑standing AO Research Institute initiative aimed at developing an implantable sensor capable of measuring implant load to objectively assess bone healing in patients with long‑bone fractures. Within the Innosuisse framework, AO Research Institute acts as the academic partner, while Sensirion contributes as the industrial partner, leveraging its deep expertise in customized sensor development, miniaturization, and high‑reliability manufacturing.

Over the past years, the collaboration has focused on translating clinical needs into robust sensor solutions, while preparing the technology for scalable production and downstream industrial partnerships. The February visit provided a timely opportunity to align on project progress, clinical insights, and next development steps.

Technical Commission visit to Stäfa

A key highlight of the visit was the strong participation from representatives of the AO Technical Commission, who joined AO Foundation staff at Sensirion’s facilities in Stäfa on 5 February 2026. The delegation included AO Foundation leadership and technology transfer representatives, as well as experienced Medical Officers from different clinical specialties, underscoring the importance of close clinician–engineer interaction in the project.

The visit agenda was structured to foster open exchange and mutual understanding. Following a welcome and company introduction by Sensirion, the joint teams reviewed the current status of the Fracture Monitor project, discussed clinical requirements, and explored how sensor capabilities can best address real‑world surgical and post‑operative needs.

From clinical insight to industrial reality

An important element of the Stäfa visit was the guided tour of Sensirion’s manufacturing environment. This on‑site exposure allowed Technical Commission representatives to gain first‑hand insight into Sensirion’s sensor technologies, quality systems, and industrialization capabilities, and to better understand how clinical requirements translate into manufacturable, regulatory‑compliant products.

These discussions reinforced the shared vision of developing a clinically meaningful, scalable fracture monitoring solution that can ultimately be licensed or transferred to major orthopedic implant manufacturers. The visit also helped align expectations on development timelines, regulatory pathways, and future collaboration dynamics.

“It was a truely inspiring afternoon at Sensirion” Prof. Michael Schuetz

Looking ahead

The February 2026 visit to Stäfa highlighted the strength of the AO–Sensirion partnership and the value of early, continuous engagement between clinicians, researchers, and industrial technology partners. Insights gathered from the Technical Commission representatives will directly inform ongoing development activities, including sensor optimization, data interpretation approaches, and future application scenarios beyond plating, such as nails or spine applications.

As the Fracture Monitor project continues to progress, AO Foundation and Sensirion remain committed to jointly advancing innovation that addresses unmet clinical needs and supports evidence‑based fracture healing assessment.