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.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 14, 2000
Date of Patent:
July 3, 2007
Assignee:
The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University
Inventors:
Eugene J. Alexander, Thomas P. Andriacchi, Philipp Lang, Daniel Steines