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Fibre optic lasers used to monitor bone healing

Fibre optic lasers used to monitor bone healing
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Key Info
  • Fibre optic lasers used to monitor bone healing
  • Duration: 01:32
  • A West Midlands surgeon plans to implant tiny fibre optic lasers to check the progress of healing bones. Conventionally, X-rays are used weekly to check the progress of healing fractures, but some are difficult to detect in this way and the radiation is harmful. A graphic is used to explain the new procedure. Two light sensors are positioned on either side of a break when it is set and the time taken for a laser to travel along a fibre optic cable between the sensors tells doctors when the bone has finished setting. It uses the same technology used to detect weaknesses and fractures in fighter aircraft and bridges. It is hoped it will be used for footballers to determine when they can begin training after injury, and in future to detect cancers and predict heart attacks. This clip was first published on BBC News Online on 5 December 2008. Please note this clip is only available in Flash.
  • Subject:

    Science

       Topic:

    Phys: Waves - Uses

  • Keywords: visible light, electromagnetic radiation, total internal reflection, coherent light, digital signals, disease, health, accuracy, physics
Ideas for use in class
  • Alternative use of fibre optic cables. Use of distance = speed x time. Fits into a 'Medical Physics' topic, or as an introduction to total internal reflection, or uses of coherent light sources.
Background details
  • Clip language : English
  • Aspect ratio : 16x9
Video options
  • Location of Flash Video clip:

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