Assessing the condition of a joint and preventing damage
US8265730B2 · kind B2 · utility
99Cited by
388References
41Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 15, 2001 |
| Grant date | Sep 11, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 15, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B5/7275
- 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.