Apparatus and method for imaging feet
US8567081B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 30, 2010 |
| Grant date | Oct 29, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 16, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B5/107
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An apparatus and method for determining contours of a patient's foot. The apparatus includes an alignment section that orientates the foot relative to an optical imaging section. The alignment section includes at least one support member located proximate a focal length of the imaging section, that engages the plantar surface substantially only in the immediate area of the fifth metatarsal head of the foot. The support generates a dorsally-directed load that locks the midtarsal joint. The alignment section further includes a heel stirrup and a laser beam or other reference line for aligning the second metatarsal head with the distal one-third of the lower leg, to place the subtalar joint in a neutral condition. The foot is thus suspended in space such that the imaging section is able to obtain an accurate measurement of the plantar surface without distortion of the soft tissues or bone structure of the foot.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.