Michael Barbella, Managing Editor05.26.22
Emovi Inc. is teaming up with The Geneva Foundation to improve knee treatments for U.S. Army soldiers and veterans.
Through a supporting grant from the Quebec Ministry of Economy and Innovation, the initiative will provide the U.S. Army with three KneeKG Systems. The project is designed to demonstrate the functionalities and performance of Emovi’s AI Platform combined with its KneeKG technology to the military health system.
The project will last 24 months, and the clinical data collected will be used to support return-to-duty activities for all knee conditions. The results also will be used in a triage setting to determine whether a surgical approach or non-surgical approach is necessary to address and correct knee conditions. Moreover, the data will support customized prevention strategies and programs and develop evidence-based approaches for future clinical practice guidelines for both active and veteran military personnel.
The project will be carried out in the following three clinics:
“For years, I served in the Army in various clinical assignments and am acutely aware of the challenges our military men and women face in training and combat,” said Don Goss, Ph.D., a retired U.S. Army colonel and associate professor at High Point University. “The running, jumping, climbing, and other training activities asked of Soldiers puts significant strain on the knee joints. The KneeKG and Emovi’s AI platform will be a tool providing never-before accessed data on knee kinematics, pinpointing misalignments. I am most excited to see how the dynamic information can help clinicians determine the best course of action for rehabilitation and efficacious care.”
The KneeKG System provides a dynamic knee exam that helps diagnose the causes of knee pain and symptoms. This procedure is known as the Knee Kinesiography exam. The exam complements imaging such as X-rays and MRI that historically provide static information of the bones and soft tissues; however, the KneeKG technology successfully identifies and analyzes different biomechanical markers, generating an accurate profile and functional knee score. The results, coupled with the Emovi AI platform, produce a Care Algorithm that includes a targeted program to support the return of strength, function, and, most importantly, the patient’s dynamic knee alignment. Considering a surgical perspective, the results include objective and reproducible data defining the dynamic knee flexion contracture, tibial rotation, and varus thrust of the loaded and articulated knee for surgical planning and robot/navigated surgery. Additionally, it is used to understand and treat residual pain and functional impairments post-surgery.
“The mission of The Geneva Foundation is to advance military medicine through innovative scientific research, exceptional program management, and a dedication to U.S. service members and veterans, their families, and the global community,” said Geneva President and CEO Elise Huszar. “The knowledge gained from this project addresses treatment options for a better, pain-free quality of life for our service members.”
“Research and innovation have become essential for Quebec companies that want to shine on the international scene. Emovi is a good example. By combining artificial intelligence with its KneeKG technology, it managed to sign an important collaboration contract with the American army. We must continue to support Quebec business innovation to conquer new markets, reduce health costs and generate economic spinoffs here in Quebec,” said Pierre Fitzgibbon, the Minister of Economy and Innovation and Minister responsible for Regional Economic Development.
Investissement Québec International’s export development team, in partnership with the Québec delegation based in Boston, has supported Emovi in its market development and growth activities in the United States. “The announcement of this collaboration between Emovi and the U.S. military validates the crucial role played by Investissement Québec International, together with Québec offices abroad, in supporting our companies in their growth projects outside of Québec,” said Hubert Bolduc, president of Investissement Québec International. “Our experts based in Québec and the United States have supported Emovi in its expansion activities for many years, and we will remain at their side in order to highlight their expertise on the international scene.”
Through a supporting grant from the Quebec Ministry of Economy and Innovation, the initiative will provide the U.S. Army with three KneeKG Systems. The project is designed to demonstrate the functionalities and performance of Emovi’s AI Platform combined with its KneeKG technology to the military health system.
The project will last 24 months, and the clinical data collected will be used to support return-to-duty activities for all knee conditions. The results also will be used in a triage setting to determine whether a surgical approach or non-surgical approach is necessary to address and correct knee conditions. Moreover, the data will support customized prevention strategies and programs and develop evidence-based approaches for future clinical practice guidelines for both active and veteran military personnel.
The project will be carried out in the following three clinics:
- Womack Army Medical Center, Fort Bragg, N.C.
- Human Biomechanics and Physiology Lab Clinic, High Point University (N.C.)
- Pro Bono Clinic, High Point University (N.C.)
“For years, I served in the Army in various clinical assignments and am acutely aware of the challenges our military men and women face in training and combat,” said Don Goss, Ph.D., a retired U.S. Army colonel and associate professor at High Point University. “The running, jumping, climbing, and other training activities asked of Soldiers puts significant strain on the knee joints. The KneeKG and Emovi’s AI platform will be a tool providing never-before accessed data on knee kinematics, pinpointing misalignments. I am most excited to see how the dynamic information can help clinicians determine the best course of action for rehabilitation and efficacious care.”
The KneeKG System provides a dynamic knee exam that helps diagnose the causes of knee pain and symptoms. This procedure is known as the Knee Kinesiography exam. The exam complements imaging such as X-rays and MRI that historically provide static information of the bones and soft tissues; however, the KneeKG technology successfully identifies and analyzes different biomechanical markers, generating an accurate profile and functional knee score. The results, coupled with the Emovi AI platform, produce a Care Algorithm that includes a targeted program to support the return of strength, function, and, most importantly, the patient’s dynamic knee alignment. Considering a surgical perspective, the results include objective and reproducible data defining the dynamic knee flexion contracture, tibial rotation, and varus thrust of the loaded and articulated knee for surgical planning and robot/navigated surgery. Additionally, it is used to understand and treat residual pain and functional impairments post-surgery.
“The mission of The Geneva Foundation is to advance military medicine through innovative scientific research, exceptional program management, and a dedication to U.S. service members and veterans, their families, and the global community,” said Geneva President and CEO Elise Huszar. “The knowledge gained from this project addresses treatment options for a better, pain-free quality of life for our service members.”
“Research and innovation have become essential for Quebec companies that want to shine on the international scene. Emovi is a good example. By combining artificial intelligence with its KneeKG technology, it managed to sign an important collaboration contract with the American army. We must continue to support Quebec business innovation to conquer new markets, reduce health costs and generate economic spinoffs here in Quebec,” said Pierre Fitzgibbon, the Minister of Economy and Innovation and Minister responsible for Regional Economic Development.
Investissement Québec International’s export development team, in partnership with the Québec delegation based in Boston, has supported Emovi in its market development and growth activities in the United States. “The announcement of this collaboration between Emovi and the U.S. military validates the crucial role played by Investissement Québec International, together with Québec offices abroad, in supporting our companies in their growth projects outside of Québec,” said Hubert Bolduc, president of Investissement Québec International. “Our experts based in Québec and the United States have supported Emovi in its expansion activities for many years, and we will remain at their side in order to highlight their expertise on the international scene.”