Abstract: A method for detecting and monitoring the progression of heterotopic ossification by Raman spectral analysis. Analysis of heterotopic ossification progress can be conducted using invasive or invasive means using specific Raman spectroscopy. Analysis is by determination of a number of Raman spectral parameters including the area under one or more of the vibrational bands, band area ratios, band height, ratios of band heights and shift in band center.

Abstract: A method for detecting and monitoring the progression of heterotopic ossification by Raman spectral analysis. Analysis of heterotopic ossification progress can be conducted using invasive or invasive means using specific Raman spectroscopy. Analysis is by determination of a number of Raman spectral parameters including the area under one or more of the vibrational bands, band area ratios, band height, ratios of band heights and shift in band center.

Abstract: In a method for evaluating a connective tissue condition of a patient, an indicator of the supporting tissue condition may be generated. A portion of connective tissue of the patient is irradiated using a light source. The connective tissue may be irradiated in vivo through the skin or via an incision, for example. Alternatively, a biopsy of the connective tissue may be irradiated. Then, spectral content information for light scattered, reflected, or transmitted by the connective tissue is determined. The spectral content information is used, at least in part, to generate the indicator. The indicator may assist a physician in diagnosing or ruling out the connective tissue condition, determining a risk of developing a disease, monitoring the progression of a disease, monitoring a response to treatment, etc.