Abstract: The device is a diagnostic tool for the determination of the functional loss of the soft tissue of one or both knees. The device allows for flexion of the knees against a biasing force for observation by magnetic resonance imaging. A supporting member is hingedly connected to a lever arm, both transparent to MRI. In turn, lower extremities of the knees under study are affixed to the lever arm. The lever arm is biased toward full extension by tension applied to the lever arm through a tensioning device. The tensioning device comprises elastic cords and several pulleys configured to apply a nearly constant biasing force throughout a range of flexion. Within the lever arm, an image generating device comprising a vial of electrolyte generates a bar of length proportionate to the degree of flexion.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to an extremity coil for magnetic resonance imaging. The extremity coil includes means for varying the aperture of the coil, and means for supporting the coil. Additionally, the extremity coil can include means for varying the resonant frequency of the coil.