A novel device to monitor mobilization of fingers during treatment for stiffness of tendons

Conceptualization and development of a novel device to monitor mobilization of fingers of a patient suffering from post-traumatic stiffness of the tendons is presented in this paper. Effectiveness of the treatment depends largely on this component of recovery and is unfortunately beyond the scope of continuous vigil by the doctor. The major post-operative procedure is to keep flexing and extending the fingers, either independently or with external support, usually with the other hand. The patient has to do this diligently and hence monitoring this exercise is of concern. The proposed novel idea is a monitoring system which keeps track of the movements of the fingers using linear ratiometric Hall-effect sensors (Allegro-1321) and magnets attached to the fingers. This can provide reliable data to the doctor to ascertain whether the patient is actually doing his part in effecting a speedy recovery for himself, thus improving the overall efficacy of the treatment.