Abstract: A completely portable, continuously self-monitoring device for expediting the healing of bone or soft tissue fractures or defects in a patient is disclosed herein along with its method of use. This device includes an electrical power supply, electronic circuitry and an arrangement of electrodes for applying current in a regulated manner through the fracture or defect site in a way which has been found to expedite the healing of bone fractures or bone defects at the site. The device also includes a monitoring arrangement cooperating with its power supply, electronic circuitry and arrangement of electrodes for continuously detecting and visually indicating whether or not the power supply is in proper working order and whether or not current is flowing through the fracture or defect site.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
January 18, 1982
Date of Patent:
February 21, 1984
Assignee:
Sutter Biomedical Inc.
Inventors:
James M. Christensen, Allan H. Mizoguchi