Abstract: An apparatus and method for use in medical imaging simulate within an imaging coil normal movements of body parts such as joints, and improve imaging of soft tissue and bony parts as compared to a static system in which images are taken of a joint in only one position. A joint or body parts is moved into various positions in multiple planes within its range of motion while a series of images are taken of the joint in the different positions. The images are collated into a cine format to effectively show the joint in motion. A surface or volume coil may be coupled for movement with the joint or body part and maintained in the proper spatial relationship with the primary coil's electromagnetic field. The systems may be provided as mechanisms usable with existing imaging tables to reduce cost, or may be built into a new imaging table. It is possible to use a larger primary coil, allowing increased range of movement. Traction may be applied to a joint being imaged, in order to load the joint.

Abstract: For use in medical imaging, an indexing assembly provides repeatable indexing movement of a joint in predetermined angular increments between sequential index positions. Means are provided for limiting movement of the joint to the next selected index position without skipping any index positions. The apparatus is contained entirely within, for example, a primary imaging coil of an MRI apparatus, and is patient directed.

Abstract: A self-contained apparatus is for use during imaging of a shoulder joint or hip joint of a patient, with the patient lying on an imaging table or other support movable into and out of a primary imaging coil. The apparatus includes an index mechanism having an index member lockable in any selected one of a plurality of sequential index positions. Table attachment means connects the index mechanism with the table for sliding movement with the table. A cuff support member is connected with the index member for movement with the index member. A cuff supported on the cuff support member at a location remote from the index member for clamping onto the patient's arm or leg. The cuff is connected with the support member for movement with the support member and with the index member and is lockable with the index member in any selected one of the plurality of sequential spaced index positions.

Abstract: An improved apparatus provided to position the femur and tibia of a leg relative to each other during surgery includes a femoral section which is fixedly mounted on the femur and a tibial section which is fixedly mounted on the tibia. The femoral and tibial sections are movable relative to each other during bending of the leg. An index assembly is provided to interconnect the femoral and tibial sections when the femur and tibia are in any one of a plurality of predetermined orientations relative to each other. A pair of cams and cam followers are provided on opposite sides of the leg to support and guide movement of the femur and tibia relative to each other during bending of the leg. The cams have surfaces with configurations which are a function of the relative movement between the femur and tibia during bending of the leg. The cams and cam followers can be used to effect distraction of the knee joint and to maintain the extent of distraction of the knee joint constant during bending of the leg.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for use in medical imaging simulate within an imaging coil normal movements of body parts such as joints, and improve imaging of soft tissue and bony parts as compared to a static system in which images are taken of a joint in only one position. A joint or body parts is moved into various positions in multiple planes within its range of motion while a series of images are taken of the joint in the different positions. The images are collated into a cine format to effectively show the joint in motion. A surface or volume coil may be coupled for movement with the joint or body part and maintained in the proper spatial relationship with the primary coil's electromagnetic field. The systems may be provided as mechanisms usable with existing imaging tables to reduce cost, or may be built into a new imaging table. It is possible to use a larger primary coil, allowing increased range of movement. Traction may be applied to a joint being imaged, in order to load the joint.

Abstract: A self-contained shoulder indexing apparatus is for use during imaging of a shoulder joint of a patient, with the patient lying on an imaging table slidable into and out of a primary imaging coil. The self-contained shoulder indexing apparatus includes an index mechanism having an index member lockable in any selected one of a plurality of sequential index positions. Table attachment means connects the index mechanism with the table for sliding movement with the table. A cuff support member is connected with the index member for movement with the index member. A cuff supported on the cuff support member at a location remote from the index member for clamping onto the patient's arm. The cuff is connected with the support member for movement with the support member and with the index member and is lockable with the index member in any selected one of the plurality of sequential spaced index positions.

Abstract: For use in medical imaging, an indexing assembly provides repeatable indexing movement of a joint in predetermined angular increments between sequential index positions. Means are provided for limiting movement of the joint to the next selected index position without skipping any index positions. The apparatus is contained entirely within, for example, a primary imaging coil of an MRI apparatus, and is patient directed.