# Real-time Feedback for Post-Operative Rehabilitation of Rotator Cuff Repairs using Wireless Force-Sensing Suture Anchors

> **NIH NIH R44** · PENDERIA TECHNOLOGIES, INC. · 2024 · $872,774

## Abstract

Abstract
The emerging interdisciplinary research field of Regenerative Rehabilitation is based on recent evidence that
post-operative rehabilitation is as important as surgical technique to achieve optimal functional restoration
following orthopedic injuries. Despite this recognition, current rehabilitation protocols remain primarily based on
qualitative prior experience or preferences and lack patient-specific, real-time quantitative feedback. The overall
goal of this project is to develop a sensing system that can monitor the local mechanical environment at
orthopedic repair sites, specifically rotator cuff surgeries, thus providing quantitative feedback for surgeons and
physical therapists (PTs) to improve patient outcomes and reduce cost by optimizing rehabilitation time and
reducing rates of failure and revision surgeries. The sensor would have other applications in large tendon
reconstruction and rehabilitation such as Achilles tendon repair as well. The sensing system is based on battery-
free sensors embedded in suture anchors used for rotator cuff repairs. The suture anchor is wirelessly monitored
with a wearable device, allowing real-time, continuous biofeedback for surgeons and PTs to make informed
decisions and accurately apply evidence-based care. To our knowledge, there is no comparable technology that
can perform similar tasks efficiently, and successful implementation of our system could lead to significant cost
savings in the orthopedic industry. In Phase I, we have developed functional prototypes of the sensor and
performed experiments confirming the technical feasibility. We have also set up a funding strategy and network
of collaborators for studying the effectiveness and commercialization of this technology. The goal of this Phase
II project is to continue the development of the sensor system to meet the safety and marketing requirements of
the technology as a medical device while demonstrating its clinical practicality.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10919062
- **Project number:** 2R44AR078728-02A1
- **Recipient organization:** PENDERIA TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
- **Principal Investigator:** Salil Sidharthan Karipott
- **Activity code:** R44 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $872,774
- **Award type:** 2
- **Project period:** 2021-06-07 → 2026-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10919062

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10919062, Real-time Feedback for Post-Operative Rehabilitation of Rotator Cuff Repairs using Wireless Force-Sensing Suture Anchors (2R44AR078728-02A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10919062. Licensed CC0.

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