Apparatus and method for imaging feet
USRE48771E1 · kind E1 · reissue
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 2, 2019 |
| Grant date | Oct 12, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 2, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC —)General
Abstract
An apparatus and method for determining contours of a patient's foot ankle and lower leg. The apparatus includes an alignment structure that orientates the foot for imaging. The alignment structure includes at least one support member that engages the plantar surface of the foot substantially only in the immediate area of the lateral metatarsal heads of the foot, preferably the fifth metatarsal head. The support generates a dorsally-directed force that locks the midtarsal joint. The alignment structure further includes a saddle that engages the rearfoot and a laser beam 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 imaging is able to produce an accurate measurement of the subject areas of the foot, ankle and lower leg without distortion of the soft tissues or bone structure.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.