Abstract: The present invention relates to network enabled analysis of x-ray images. Also described are devices comprising calibration phantoms; methods of using these devices; methods of formulating databases containing information regarding x-ray images; the databases themselves; and methods of manipulating the information and databases.

Abstract: A system and method for building and/or manipulating a centralized medical image quantitative information database aid in diagnosing diseases, identifying prevalence of diseases, and analyzing market penetration data and efficacy of different drugs. In one embodiment, the diseases are bone-related, such as osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. Subjects' medical images, personal and treatment information are obtained at information collection terminals, for example, at medical and/or dental facilities, and are transferred to a central database, either directly or through a system server. Quantitative information is derived from the medical images, and stored in a central database, associated with subjects' personal and treatment information. Authorized users, such as medical officials and/or pharmaceutical companies, can access the database, either directly or through the central server, to diagnose diseases and perform statistical analysis on the stored data.

Abstract: A method of classifying fracture risk for a patient is presented. The method includes determining a fracture index of the patient. Either a fracture classification or a non-fracture classification is assigned to the patient based, at least in part, on the fracture index. A confidence level of the assigned classification is determined.

Abstract: Described herein are methods for analyzing bone structure and/or bone density, methods for estimating fracture risk in a subject as well as methods for monitoring the efficacy of an agent on bone structure and/or bone density.

Abstract: The present invention relates to network enabled analysis of x-ray images. Also described are devices comprising calibration phantoms; methods of using these devices; methods of formulating databases containing information regarding x-ray images; the databases themselves; and methods of manipulating the information and databases.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for assessing the condition of a cartilage in a joint, particularly in 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 o 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: Ceremonial installation, comprising a movable object (1), provided with an energy source (4) and a device (6) for actuating the energy source, linked to a computer memory, a programmer (8) of the actuation device and an interface (2) between the programmer and the memory, the actuation device being controlled by a physical separation of the object (1) from a support (2) and/or a physical contact of the object with said support, after said separation and/or a physical and/or chemical parameter of the object or of the environment of the object and/or a defined spatial position of the object.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for assessing the condition of a cartilage in a joint, particularly in 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 o 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 network enabled analysis of x-ray images. Also described are devices comprising calibration phantoms; methods of using these devices; methods of formulating databases containing information regarding x-ray images; the databases themselves; and methods of manipulating the information and databases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to network enabled analysis of x-ray images. Also described are devices comprising calibration phantoms; methods of using these devices; methods of formulating databases containing information regarding x-ray images; the databases themselves; and methods of manipulating the information and databases.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and devices for repairing articular surfaces. The articular surface repairs are customizable or highly selectable by patient and geared toward providing optimal fit and function.

Abstract: A method of preparing an interpositional implant suitable for a knee. The method includes determining a three-dimensional shape of a tibial surface of the knee. An implant is produced having a superior surface and an inferior surface, with the superior surface adapted to be positioned against a femoral condyle of the knee, and the inferior surface adapted to be positioned upon the tibial surface of the knee, The inferior surface conforms to the three-dimensional shape of the tibial surface. The implant may be inserted into the knee without making surgical cuts on the tibial surface. The tibial surface may include cartilage, or cartilage and bone.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for assessing the condition of a cartilage in a joint and assessing cartilage loss, particularly in 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.

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: The present invention relates to network enabled analysis of x-ray images. Also described are devices comprising calibration phantoms; methods of using these devices; methods of formulating databases containing information regarding x-ray images; the databases themselves; and methods of manipulating the information and databases.

Abstract: A device for grasping an implant is provided. The implant has a first and second surface, with at least one of the first and seconds surfaces being non-planar. The device includes a first grasping element having a first grasping surface that conforms to the first surface of the implant, and a second grasping element having a second grasping surface conforming to the second surface of the implant. At least one of the first grasping element and the second grasping element can be moved to grasp the implant, such that the first grasping surface contacts the first surface of the implant and the second grasping surface contacts the second surface of the implant.

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 a method for diagnosing hypertension, and/or allergy, and/or hair loss, and/or liabilty for infection, of a human being, or a predisposition therefor; to a nucleic acid molecule coding for a human ClCKb protein comprising a genetic alteration at amino acid position 481 compared to the wild type, as well as for corresponding segments thereof; to a nucleic acid molecule which binds to the before-mentioned nucleic acid molecule under stringent conditions, as well as to a nucleic acid molecule which binds to that nucleic acid molecule; to a (poly)peptide encoded by the afore-mentioned nucleic acid molecules; to a method for identifying substances modulating activity of a peptide derived from ClCKb protein that is genetically altered at amino acid position 481 compared to the wild type; to a substance for modulating activity of a peptide derived from ClCKb protein that is genetically altered at amino acid position 481 compared to the wild type; to methods for preparing a pharmaceut

Abstract: A website run by a server can be accessed by many visitors. Service and support for the website are provided by a live agent at a call center by engaging the visitors in verbal conversations. A conversation is initiated when a visitor requests telephone assistance on the website. Information about the visitor, including pages he has visited in a current or previous visit is placed in a data file or record. In response, the live agent obtains the record corresponding to the visitor and a telephone link is automatically established between the agent and the visitor.

Abstract: An expandable device for spinal fusion or vertebral disc replacement that is inserted via a minimally invasive surgery approach and that is expanded inside the vertebral disc space. The device is configured to expand in at least one of a medial, a lateral, an anterior, a posterior, a superior and an inferior direction and to restrict further expansion of at least one of the medial, lateral, anterior and posterior direction after reaching a maximum allowing further expansion in superior or inferior direction.