Assessing the condition of a joint and devising treatment
US7239908B1 · kind B1 · utility
489Cited by
45References
140Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 14, 2000 |
| Grant date | Jul 3, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 14, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B5/7257
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Methods are disclosed for assessing the condition of a cartilage in a joint, particularly a human knee. The methods include converting an image such as an MRI to a three dimensional map of the cartilage. The cartilage map can be correlated to a movement pattern of the joint to assess the affect of movement on cartilage wear. Changes in the thickness of cartilage over time can be determined so that therapies can be provided. Information on thickness of cartilage and curvature of cartilage or subchondral bone can be used to plan therapy. Information on movement pattern can be used to plan therapy.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.