Abstract: The present invention relates to a quick method for the qualitative and quantitative medical-diagnostic analysis on the protein level of the substitution of single amino acids with pathogenic and non-pathogenic effects on the organism. The medical-diagnostic analysis is performed by a combination of enzymatic or chemical cleavage of the isolated peptide, chromatographical separation of the fragments and analysis by mass spectrometry, both direct LC/MS and indirect MALDI-MS, and analysis by capillary electrophoresis. By comparing protein samples from healthy humans with those of ill humans, the method described is suitable for establishing new, as yet unknown mutations and quantifying the expression and incorporation of wild type to mutant.

Abstract: A laser diffraction apparatus for measuring muscle sarcomere length IN VIVO, primarily useful for tendon transfer procedures, includes a screen and laser assembly adapted to direct a laser beam through a muscle tissue supported by a 180.degree. deflection prism towards the screen which receives the resultant diffraction pattern. This diffraction pattern determines the length of the muscle's sarcomere. A mechanism is provided for adjustably positioning the laser assembly and the 180.degree. deflection muscle tissue supporting prism relative to the operative field.