Abstract: A coated metal reinforcement element for polymeric or elastomeric materials comprises a coating of: a polymer or prepolymer compatible with and co-polymerizable, co-vulcanizable or crosslinkable with said polymeric or elastomeric material to be reinforced, and bearing functional groups; either covalently bonding to the metal surface of said reinforcement element; or forming covalent bonds with the outward directed first functional groups of a mono-or multimolecular layer of a bifunctional adhesion promotor intercalated between said metal by its second functional groups. A method for the coating includes a one step and a two step procedure.

Abstract: This invention is directed to methods of predicting bone or joint disease in a subject. The invention is also directed to methods of determining the effect of a candidate agent on any subject's risk of developing bone or joint disease.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods, compositions and tools for repairing articular surfaces repair materials and for repairing an articular surface. The articular surface repairs are customizable or highly selectable by patient and geared toward providing optimal fit and function. The surgical tools are designed to be customizable or highly selectable by patient to increase the speed, accuracy and simplicity of performing total or partial arthroplasty.

Abstract: In a composite of vulcanizable rubber or rubber-like composition with one or more metal reinforcement elements embedded therein, the metal reinforcement element is coated with a polymer or non-cured rubber composition compatible with and co-polymerizable, co-vulcanizable or crosslinkable with said vulcanizable ruber composition to be reinforced, and additionally bearing functional groups either covalently bonding to the metal surface of said reinforcement element or forming covalent bonds with the outward directed first functional groups of a mono- or multimolecular layer of a bifunctional adhesion promoter intercalated between said metal and said coating and bound to said metal by its second functional groups. A cured rubber or rubber-like product, for instance a pneumatic tire, is obtained by vulcanization of such a composite.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and devices for analyzing x-ray images. In particular, devices, methods and algorithms are provided that allow for the accurate and reliable evaluation of bone mineral density and bone structure from x-ray images.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and devices for repairing articular surfaces in a knee joint. The articular surface repairs are customizable or highly selectable for each patient and geared toward providing optimal fit and function. Kits are also provided to enable customized repairs to be performed.

Abstract: The invention and the embodiments described in this invention provide new techniques for manipulating digital images and is particularly useful for extracting tissues (i.e., assigning tissue boundary locations) from medical images. These techniques can be applied to diagnosing arthritis and for monitoring disease progression or response to therapeutic intervention. The invention provides for means to extract the articular cartilage from medical images for analysis purposes.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for assessing the condition of a cartilage in a joint, particularly a human knee. The methods include converting an image such as an MRI to a three dimensional map of the cartilage. The cartilage map can be correlated to a movement pattern of the joint to assess the affect of movement on cartilage wear. Changes in the thickness of cartilage over time can be determined so that therapies can be provided. Information on thickness of cartilage and curvature of cartilage or subchondral bone can be used to plan therapy. Information on movement pattern can be used to plan therapy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for determining meniscal size and shape for use in designing therapies for the treatment of various joint diseases. The invention uses an image of a joint that is processed for analysis. Analysis can include, for example, generating a thickness map, a cartilage curve, or a point cloud. This information is used to determine the extent of the cartilage defect or damage and to design an appropriate therapy, including, for example, an implant. Adjustments to the designed therapy are made to account for the materials used.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for determining meniscal size and shape for use in designing therapies for the treatment of various joint diseases. The invention uses an image of a joint that is processed for analysis. Analysis can include, for example, generating a thickness map, a cartilage curve, or a point cloud. This information is used to determine the extent of the cartilage defect or damage and to design an appropriate therapy, including, for example, an implant. Adjustments to the designed therapy are made to account for the materials used.

Abstract: This invention is directed to orthopedic implants and systems. The invention also relates to methods of implant design, manufacture, modeling and implantation as well as to surgical tools and kits used therewith. The implants are designed by analyzing the articular surface to be corrected and creating a device with an anatomic or near anatomic fit; or selecting a pre-designed implant having characteristics that give the implant the best fit to the existing defect.

Abstract: This invention is directed to orthopedic implants and systems. The invention also relates to methods of implant design, manufacture, modeling and implantation as well as to surgical tools and kits used therewith. The implants are designed by analyzing the articular surface to be corrected and creating a device with an anatomic or near anatomic fit; or selecting a pre-designed implant having characteristics that give the implant the best fit to the existing defect.

Abstract: The present invention provides for methods and devices for monitoring capillary related interstitial thickness. The invention also includes methods of measuring capillary related interstitial fluid, as well as cardiac, vascular, renal and hepatic function. Specific devices, particularly probes, are provided for such methods.

Abstract: The invention provides for ultrasonic methods, compositions and devices, particularly methods, compositions and devices that provide for interrogating with ultrasonic transducer(s) at multiple transmission angles in an anatomic region. The invention provides for improved interrogation devices that reduce tissue artifacts arising from heterogenous structures in tissues.

Abstract: This invention is directed to methods for using imaging methods to aid in drug discovery, and drug development. This invention also relates to methods of using imaging methods for diagnosis, prognostication, monitoring and patient management of musculoskeletal disease.

Abstract: The invention provides for methods, compositions, and devices for measuring adipose tissue and lean tissue using ultrasonic methods, compositions and devices, particularly methods, compositions and devices that facilitate placement of ultrasonic probe(s) using external anatomic landmarks such as the umbilicus, and methods, compositions, and devices that improve the reproducibility of ultrasonic measurements of object layer thickness.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and devices for analyzing x-ray images. In particular, devices, methods and algorithms are provided that allow for the accurate and reliable evaluation of bone mineral density and bone structure from x-ray images.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and devices for analyzing x-ray images. In particular, devices, methods and algorithms are provided that allow for the accurate and reliable evaluation of bone mineral density and bone structure from x-ray images.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and devices for analyzing x-ray images. In particular, devices, methods and algorithms are provided that allow for the accurate and reliable evaluation of bone mineral density and bone structure from x-ray images.

Abstract: The present invention provides for methods and devices for monitoring capillary related interstitial thickness. The invention also includes methods of measuring capillary related interstitial fluid, as well as cardiac, vascular, renal and hepatic function. Specific devices, particularly probes, are provided for such methods.