UP Health System – Bell Now Offers the Upper Peninsula’s First “Smart Knee” Implant for Knee Replacement Surgery

ISHPEMING, MI (June 17, 2025) — If you or someone you know is considering knee replacement surgery, there’s a new high-tech option now available close to home. UP Health System – Bell is proud to be the first in the Upper Peninsula to offer Persona IQ®, the world’s first and only “smart knee” implant. This next-generation implant combines proven joint replacement technology with intelligent data collection to support a more personalized recovery journey.

Total knee arthroplasty, also known as total knee replacement, is a surgical procedure in which a damaged or worn-out knee joint is replaced with an artificial implant. It is typically recommended for people with severe knee pain or stiffness caused by arthritis, injury or long-term wear and tear — especially when other treatments like medication or physical therapy no longer provide relief.

What makes it smart?

Unlike traditional knee implants, smart knee implants include embedded microelectronics and sensors that automatically track important post-surgical movement data, such as:

• How many steps the patient takes
• How fast they walk
• Their range of motion
• Their stride length

This information is wirelessly transmitted to a secure base station in the patient’s home, then uploaded to a cloud-based system that can be accessed by both the patient and their orthopedic surgeon. This enables real-time remote monitoring and helps inform treatment decisions throughout the recovery process.

“This is an exciting step forward in knee replacement care,” said Dr. Zachary Leonard, orthopedic surgeon at UP Health System – Bell. “The smart knee implant lets us see how patients are doing between visits and adjust their care if needed. It’s like having a window into your recovery.”

Important to know

• The surgery itself is the same trusted procedure — what’s new is the implant’s built-in smart technology.
• The smart sensor’s battery is designed to last up to 14 years.
• Persona IQ is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a safe and effective option for total knee replacement.

“This technology gives both patients and doctors added confidence throughout the recovery journey,” said Lynn Mattila, director of surgery and the operating room at UP Health System – Bell. “It helps us stay connected and better support each patient’s healing every step of the way.”

To learn more about orthopedic services at UP Health System – Bell, visit UPHealthSystem.com/Orthopedics.