A proposed closed-loop framework for postoperative management of OVCF integrating biosensor-enabled monitoring and traditional Chinese medicine formulas: from dynamic assessment to precision intervention

TL;DR

This paper proposes a new framework for managing osteoporotic vertebral fractures by combining biosensors with traditional Chinese medicine for better post-surgery care.

Contribution

A novel closed-loop framework integrating biosensor monitoring and TCM formulas for dynamic postoperative OVCF management is proposed.

Findings

Biosensors like OPECT can enable high-frequency monitoring of bone turnover markers.

Kidney-tonifying and blood-activating TCM formulas show potential for integrative postoperative care.

The framework aims to guide future translational research and clinical validation.

Abstract

Postoperative management of osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF) remains challenging because conventional bone mineral density (BMD) and imaging assessments are intrinsically delayed, while bone turnover markers (BTMs) that reflect real-time remodeling dynamics are difficult to measure frequently in routine care. In parallel, commonly used anti-osteoporotic medications may be limited by delayed onset of measurable response and concerns regarding long-term tolerability in certain populations. This article is a narrative review and conceptual perspective that synthesizes recent advances in biosensor-enabled point-of-care testing—highlighting organic optoelectrochemical transistors (OPECT)—and mechanistic pharmacology evidence for kidney-tonifying and blood-activating traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formulas. On this basis, we propose a closed-loop framework that links high-frequency BTM monitoring to biomarker-informed optimization of postoperative integrative management. Importantly, this work does not report original clinical implementation data; the proposed framework is intended to guide future translational research, standardization, and prospective clinical validation.

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