Patent · US Active

Assessing the condition of a joint and devising treatment

US8112142B2 · kind B2 · utility

151Cited by
346References
42Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJun 27, 2007
Grant dateFeb 7, 2012
Priority date
Expiry dateDec 7, 2029

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 in 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.