Abstract: A controller for driving an ultrasonic transducer is disclosed and includes a processor, responsive to a feedback signal, for generating control signals to an output driver which is responsive to the control signals, to cause the ultrasonic transducer to generate ultrasound having a power level corresponding to the control signal. The controller is preferably attached to a sensing circuit to determine the amount of ultrasound conductive gel associated with the ultrasonic transducer, and for generating the feedback signal therefrom. The controller includes data logging capabilities to record treatment data and prevent unnecessary extended treatment. The controller creates an environment for safer ultrasonic self-treatment by patients. The microprocessor used in the controller can be used to warn of a low battery condition or insufficient amount of ultrasound conducting gel.

Abstract: A portable therapeutic device and method of use generate longitudinally propagating ultrasound and shear waves generated by such longitudinally propagating ultrasound to provide effective healing of wounds. A transducer having an operative surface is disposed substantially adjacent to the wound to emit ultrasound to propagate in the direction of the wound to promote healing. Reflections of the ultrasound by bone tissue, by skin layers, or by internally disposed reflective media propagate toward the wound as longitudinal waves, with shear waves generated by the longitudinal waves for the healing of the wound. A focusing element is used for focusing the propagation of the ultrasound at a predetermined angle toward the wound. The operative surface of the transducer may be annularly shaped to encircle the wound to convey the ultrasound and/or reflected ultrasound thereto.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for mounting an ultrasound transducer head module. The apparatus includes an insert having an axial bore therein and a plurality of tabs extending radially therefrom. A spacer is provided and configured to fit within a void in a cast. The spacer has a hole therein to insertably receive the insert. An ultrasound transmission-enhancing medium is positioned within the hole in the spacer and adjacent a treatment location. The ultrasound treatment head module is then positioned within the insert and means for biasing it toward the ultrasound transmission-enhancing medium is provided. A strap may be provided to secure the apparatus adjacent a body portion to be treated, with or without the existence of a cast.

Abstract: A system for therapeutic treatment of bone includes a source of energy for stimulating a bone, a feedback loop for receiving response information from the bone generated by the stimulation and an adjustment device for adjusting the energy source according to predetermined criteria. A method of therapeutically treating bone includes the steps of providing a source of energy for stimulating a bone, feedback means for receiving response information from the bone generated by the stimulation and adjustment means for adjusting the energy source according to predetermined criteria, applying energy to cyclically stimulate the bone, collecting response information from the bone due to the stimulation, comparing the response information to the predetermined criteria and adjusting the energy source to obtain a response in accordance with the predetermined criteria. The system and method ensure, augment and accelerate the bone healing process.

Abstract: A system for therapeutic treatment of bone includes a source of energy for stimulating a bone, a feedback loop for receiving response information from the bone generated by the stimulation and an adjustment device for adjusting the energy source according to predetermined criteria. A method of therapeutically treating bone includes the steps of providing a source of energy for stimulating a bone, feedback means for receiving response information from the bone generated by the stimulation and adjustment means for adjusting the energy source according to predetermined criteria, applying energy to cyclically stimulate the bone, collecting response information from the bone due to the stimulation, comparing the response information to the predetermined criteria and adjusting the energy source to obtain a response in accordance with the predetermined criteria. The system and method ensure, augment and accelerate the bone healing process.

Abstract: A portable therapeutic device and method of use generate longitudinally propagating ultrasound and shear waves generated by such longitudinally propagating ultrasound to provide effective healing of wounds. A transducer having an operative surface is disposed substantially adjacent to the wound to emit ultrasound to propagate in the direction of the wound to promote healing. Reflections of the ultrasound by bone tissue, by skin layers, or by internally disposed reflective media propagate toward the wound as longitudinal waves, with shear waves generated by the longitudinal waves for the healing of the wound. A focusing element is used for focusing the propagation of the ultrasound at a predetermined angle toward the wound. The operative surface of the transducer may be annularly shaped to encircle the wound to convey the ultrasound and/or reflected ultrasound thereto.

Abstract: The apparatus is used for therapeutically treating injuries using ultrasound. The apparatus includes an ergonomically constructed ultrasonic transducer treatment head module and a portable, ergonomically constructed main operating unit. The transducer treatment head module is positioned adjacent the area of the injury and excited for a predetermined period of time. The apparatus includes means for positioning and holding the treatment head module adjacent positions on the torso of the body, such as the clavicle, the pelvis, the hip and the spine.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and apparatus for locating an internal injury. The apparatus includes a marker that is temporarily positionable at an external location adjacent the internal injury. The marker is formed of a material that is visible on an X-ray, magnetic resonance image, ultrasonic image, or other device for imaging the internal injury. The method includes the steps of positioning a marker at an external location adjacent an internal injury, simultaneously visualizing the marker and the internal injury, and marking an approximate external location corresponding to the internal injury. Where X-rays are used for simultaneously visualizing the marker and the internal injury, the X-ray is used to map the approximate external location corresponding to the internal injury.

Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus and methods for providing and using a gel containment structure with an ultrasonic delivery system. The apparatus includes a special bladder, pad or other enclosure means for positioning adjacent the transmitting surface so that the coupling gel is retained adjacent the transmitting surface. The method for delivering ultrasonic energy includes enclosing coupling gel at the transmitting surface, positioning the enclosed coupling gel against the skin or other external location corresponding to the internal injury, and directing ultrasonic waves emitted at the transmitting surface through the enclosed conducting gel to the skin location corresponding to the internal injury.

Abstract: The apparatus is used for therapeutically treating injuries using ultrasound. The apparatus includes an ergonomically constructed ultrasonic transducer treatment head module partially fabricated with a conductive plastic material. The apparatus also utilizes a portable, ergonomically constructed main operating unit constructed to fit within a pouch worn by the patient. In operation, the transducer treatment head module is positioned adjacent the area of the injury and excited for a predetermined period of time. To ensure that the transducer treatment head module is properly positioned, and to insure compliance with a treatment protocol, a safety interlock is provided to prevent inadvertent excitation of the transducer.

Abstract: A transducer for non-invasive transcutaneous transmission of pulsed ultrahigh-frequency acoustic radiation, in body tissue and/or fluids adjacent a bone fracture is "on target" when a fraction of the propagated energy within the longitudinal-response lobe of the transducer encounters a crack or other open feature of the fracture, where a gap or space exists between closely spaced fracture walls. The ultrahigh-frequency acoustic radiation sees this "on target" feature as the entrance to a waveguide, whereby pulsed ultrahigh-frequency acoustic radiation is guided within the crack. When this acoustic radiation encounters a gap of at least a quarter wavelength (at the ultrahigh frequency), a standing wave condition establishes itself, with dissipation of the ultrahigh frequency and with demodulation to establish a therapeutically beneficial low-frequency acoustic condition, within the fracture, and acting where most needed, namely, on and between wall regions of adjacent fragments of the broken bone.