Abstract: Automated spine localizing, numbering and autoprescription system enhances correct location of diseased or injured tissue, even allow multi-spectral diagnosis. Externally located this tissue is facilitated by an integrated self adhesive spatial reference and skin marking system that is designed for a variety of modalities to include MRI, CT, SPECT, PET, planar nuclear imaging, radiography, XRT, thermography, optical imaging and 3D space tracking. The device ranges from a point localizer to a more multifunctional and complex grid/phantom system. The specially designed spatial reference(s) is affixed to an adhesive strip with corresponding markings so that after applying the unit to the skin/surface and imaging, the reference can be removed leaving the skin appropriately marked. The localizer itself can also directly adhere to the skin after being detached from the underlying strip.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting changes in spinal tissue is disclosed. The implantable sensor or surgical instrument includes a sensing element adapted for detecting indicators of tissue health. The sensor is configured for transmitting the tissue data outside of the body. Further a system and method are provided to utilize the sensed tissue properties to treat the patient's condition.

Abstract: Methods of selecting and implanting prosthetic devices for use as a replacement meniscus are disclosed. The selection methods include a pre-implantation selection method and a during-implantation selection method. The pre-implantation selection method includes a direct geometrical matching process, a correlation parameters-based matching process, and a finite element-based matching process. The implant identified by the pre-implantation selection method is then confirmed to be a suitable implant in the during-implantation selection method. Methods of implanting meniscus prosthetic devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a driving force calculating device calculates a driving force so that a desired load is applied on a muscle while a power assisting device assists and/or resists a predetermined motion. A driving force calculating section of a driving force calculating device calculates a driving force of each driving section according to a joint torque table on joint torque necessary for a rotational motion and an assigned muscle force table on an assigned muscle force input to a muscle force input section. For the calculation is used a muscle/artificial muscle integrated model data integrally including musculoskeletal model data on a musculoskeletal model of a human and artificial muscle model data on an artificial muscle model of the power assisting device. The driving force is calculated through optimization using Crowninshield performance function under constraint conditions of the joint torque and the assigned muscle force.

Abstract: Techniques relate to operating a medical device in response to a detected posture state of a patient. A trigger event such as a request to modify how therapy is being delivered to the patient may cause a determination to be made as to whether the patient's posture state is stable. If the posture state is stable, an association is created between the posture state and one or more therapy parameter values. Over time, a library of such associations is created that may reflect any posture state in three dimensional space, wherein a posture state comprises at least one of a posture and an activity component. The library of associations may be used to automatically control therapy delivery. Similar ones of the associations may automatically be grouped into posture state regions to facilitate more efficient classification of the patient's posture state to control therapy delivery.

Abstract: A fluid delivery device is provided for delivering fluid to a target site such as an intervertebral disc during discography. The fluid delivery device includes pressure and volume sensors to determine the pressure and the volume of the fluid delivered to the intervertebral disc. The fluid delivery device is hand-held during use and includes a syringe assembly having a plunger with threads that enables controlled discharge of the fluid from the fluid delivery device by rotating the plunger in a housing of the fluid delivery device. The fluid delivery device may also include a communication module to wirelessly transfer data to an external device outside of a sterile field, while the fluid delivery device is in the sterile field. The fluid delivery device may also include a physiological sensor to monitor involuntary pain responses based on changing physiological parameters such as increases in body temperature or blood pressure.

Abstract: A CAS system and method comprises a first reference in fixed relation with the pelvis and a registration tool. A sensor apparatus tracks the first reference and tool. A controller unit receives tracking data for the first reference and tool. A calculator tracks the pelvic frame of reference, and the tool to produce a femoral frame of reference at two sequential operative steps. A reference orientation adjustor receives tracking data for the pelvic frame of reference to orient the femoral frame of reference in a reference orientation with respect to the pelvic frame of reference, and to produce a reference adjustment value as a function of the reference orientation. A surgical parameter calculator receives tracking data from the tool to calculate surgical parameters as a function of the reference adjustment value.

Abstract: A system for determining and placing spinal implants or prostheses includes apparatus for measuring a change in position of vertebrae at an affected level of a patient's spine from a position of pain where the patient reports greatest pain originating from the affected level, to a position of comfort where the patient reports the least pain from the affected level. Spinal implants or prostheses are constructed and arranged for urging the affected level of the spine to the position of comfort when applied to or placed at determined locations in the affected level. In one embodiment, an implant device includes one or more inflatable balloons, wherein each balloon is placed at a certain location in a disc space at the affected level, and vertebrae above and below the balloon are urged to the position of comfort at the affected level when the balloons are inflated.

Abstract: The invention relates to an orthopedic orthosis for the purpose of bracing a body region of a patient, which may include at least one sensor contrivance provided for detection of movements of said body region. According to the present invention, provision is made, in particular, for the orthosis to have at least one resiliently deformable sensor portion, which is disposed on the orthosis such that a movement of the body region causes resilient deformation of said sensor portion, that the sensor contrivance has at least one actor for coupling waves into the sensor portion and at least one sensor for sensing the waves coupled into the sensor portion, and that the actor and the sensor of the sensor contrivance are disposed on the sensor portion such that the sensor can sense the wave coupled into the sensor portion by the actor and changed according to the deformation of the sensor portion. The use thereof is for the detection of orthopedically detrimental movements of a patient.

Abstract: The invention resides in a posture training device comprising a signalling unit able to be worn longitudinally over a user's spine, the signalling unit having two ends that can be used to activate the signalling unit by tension being applied to either of the two ends; a waist strap able to be fitted around a waist of a user, the waist strap connected to one of the ends of the signalling unit; and a central strap able to extend adjacent the spine of a user, the central strap being connected to an opposing end of the signalling unit and to the waist strap.

Abstract: Methods, devices and systems facilitate diagnosis, and in some cases treatment, of back pain originating in intervertebral discs. Methods generally involve introducing one or more substances into one or more discs using a catheter device. In one embodiment, a patient assumes a position that causes back pain, and a substance such as an anesthetic or analgesic is introduced into the disc to determine whether the substance relieves the pain. Injections into multiple discs may optionally be performed, to help pinpoint a disc as a source of the patient's pain. In some embodiments, the catheter device is left in place, and possibly coupled with another implantable device, to provide treatment of one or more discs. A catheter device includes at least one anchoring member for maintaining a distal portion of the catheter within a disc.

Abstract: A posture assessment and feedback instrument (FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B) all contained within a single housing (1). The output of a capacitive sensor (4) within the housing (1) varies in response to the distance between the sensor and the body of a user. The housing (1) is strapped to the body of a user (FIG. 3, FIG. 4, FIG. 5A, and FIG. 5B) with a belt (2). The application area is chosen such that the distance between the sensor (4) and the body varies in response to a defined posture change (FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B). Thus the sensor output will vary in response to the defined posture change. The output is compared to a stored threshold value and triggers a feedback signal when the threshold is exceeded.

Abstract: A human spinal column measuring and displaying system includes a spinal column measuring apparatus capable of measuring bending or a circumflex (twist) angle of the spinal column of the human body as a detaching amount measuring data from a reference value, an input apparatus for inputting gender, height data of the measurement subject, an image processing apparatus for inputting the detaching amount measuring data from the spinal column measuring apparatus and data from the input apparatus and generating a three-dimensional spinal column image of the measurement subject based on the detaching amount measuring data and the gender, height data of the measurement subject, and a display apparatus for displaying an image data from the image processing apparatus.

Abstract: A device for assessing the spinal column intends to assess the lateral curvatures and deviations in the spinal column, in a standing position. It can be a non-invasive instrument that allows reproducing the position of each vertebra in the spinal column, from the first cervical vertebra to the first sacral vertebra. The device can include or consist of two parts: a first part designated as body and a second part defined as support. The first part can include or can consist of a vertical piece (that fits in the support) and several horizontal pieces. Each horizontal piece will touch the spinal crest of each vertebra in the spinal column, from the first cervical vertebra to the first sacral vertebra. The support can include or can consist of two pieces: a vertical piece, wherein the instrument's body vertical piece is fitted and a base whereon the feet of the patient under assessment are placed.

Abstract: A posture evaluating apparatus according to the invention includes: a grasp portion that is grasped with user's hands; a pedestal portion on which the user rides with both feet; inclination detecting means for detecting inclination of the grasp portion; barycentric position detecting means for detecting a barycentric position of a load acting on the pedestal portion; posture evaluating means for evaluating posture of the user based on the inclination of the grasp portion and the barycentric position of the load acting on the pedestal portion; and output means for outputting evaluation result of the posture evaluating means.

Abstract: A device for storing data related to movement of a prosthetic implant includes at least one transducer for generating at least one real time movement signal responsive to movement within the prosthetic implant. A processor generates movement data parameters and associated time stamps in response to the real time movement signal. The generated data parameters and time stamps are stored within a memory associated with the processor. A communications link may be used to selectively access the movement data parameters and the time stamps in the memory from an external source.

Abstract: A method and instrumentation for spinal interbody fusion is disclosed. The instruments and methods are particularly adapted for interbody fusion from a posterior approach to the spine. One instrument is a retractor having a lockable pivotally mounted handle. Another instrument is a template for straddling the dura. A modular distractor is also provided and preferably includes a tapered shaft with a visualization window disposed therein. Yet another instrument is a depth gauge to verify bone opening depth and dimension, preferably including a radiopaque portion. A method contemplates the use of these instruments to prepare a disc space to receive an implant.

Abstract: Methods and systems for performing a surgical procedure using implantable sensors are disclosed. The method includes providing one or more implantable sensors, each sensor configured for implantation adjacent to an anatomical feature of a patient; imaging the patient to determine the relative positions of the one or more implantable sensors relative to the anatomical features of the patient; inserting an implant adjacent to at least one of the anatomical features; and tracking the position of the implant relative to the at least one anatomical feature during the inserting of the implant using the implantable sensors.

Abstract: The present invention provides method for break reminder and a display device. The display device includes a display unit; a clock counter; a distance estimator configured for detecting if the display device being used by a user, calculating distance between the user and a front of the display device, and generating a tracking signal if the distance is less than a predetermined distance; and a central processing unit configured for waiting for the tracking signal, resetting a worked time and a rested time when the tracking signal is received, signaling the clock counter to track the worked time, detecting if the worked time is less than a first predetermined time, and signaling the display unit to output the message prompt when the worked time is equal to or greater than the first predetermined time, thereby the present invention can prevent the user of the display device from fatigue.

Abstract: A method for providing automatic detection of curvature of a spine and computation of specific angles in images of the spine includes automatically displaying the curvature of the spine as a line in an image of the spine, and computing at least one of a first angle or a second angle based on the line of the curvature of the spine.

Abstract: A system for measuring a living subject having a spine comprises a flexible strip, a first sensor, a processor, and a data storage device. The flexible strip, the first sensor, the processor, and the data storage device are located along the spine of the living subject. The first sensor, the processor and the data storage device are connected for collecting data related to bending of the flexible strip for determining a curvature of the spine of the living subject. The data from the first sensor is processed in the processor and stored in the storage device. One embodiment includes a transmitter for transmitting the data. Other embodiments include feedback and provide information about time duration in a posture.

Abstract: A method for verifying the position of at least two bone structures relative to each other, comprising the method steps of: recording a three-dimensional dataset which represents the bone structures; segmenting the three-dimensional dataset into segments, wherein each segment represents a bone structure and the segments exhibit a known relative position in the three-dimensional dataset; changing the virtual relative position of the segments, such that the virtual relative position of the segments matches the actual relative position of the bone structures; verifying whether the virtual relative position of the segments matches a target position of the bone structures.

Abstract: A fluid introduction system includes an introducer configured to create a pressure of at least 69 kPa within a spine, and an operator configured to actuate the introducer to introduce fluid into the spine according to a predetermined fluid introduction profile. The system can include a computer readable medium having code for receiving fluid introduction data indicative of a fluid introduction parameter, and for receiving response data indicative of a response of the patient at a time related to a time of the fluid introduction data. A method for introducing fluid includes positioning a first introducer in a first portion of a spine, positioning a second introducer in a second, different portion of the spine and, without removing the first and second introducers, introducing fluid into the first portion of the spine with the first introducer and introducing fluid into the second portion of the spine with the second introducer.

Abstract: Catheter devices for diagnosing and treating discogenic pain are provided. The catheter devices comprise a tubular body configured for insertion into an intervertebral disc and a pressure measuring device disposed along the length of the tubular body, the pressure measuring device configured to measure the pressure within the intervertebral disc. The catheter devices are capable of measuring the pressure within an intervertebral disc of a subject while the subject is moving.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a virtual reality feedback system to measure trunk orientation of a low back pain patient, and then displaying the measurement information on a display device for the benefit of the patient.

Abstract: The profile of the spinal column and changes in the profile of the spinal column are continuously measured during movement along the entire spinal column in all degrees of freedom of its deformation.

Abstract: A plurality of medical images showing transverse cross-sections of vertebrae that have been imaged in advance are obtained. A spinal-cord region in at least one of the plurality of medical images is detected. A spinal-cord center-line based on a center point in the detected spinal-cord region is generated. A longitudinal cross-sectional image of the vertebrae is generated. Further, a center-line of the vertebrae is obtained based on a positional relationship between the spinal-cord center-line and the vertebrae.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel genetic markers associated with scoliosis, risk of developing scoliosis and risk of scoliosis curve progression, and simplified methods and materials for determining whether a human subject has scoliosis, is at risk of developing scoliosis or is at risk of scoliosis curve progression.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) that utilizes microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology to provide an in vivo assessment of loads on adjacent bones (24 and 26) comprises a body (34) for insertion between the adjacent bones. At least one sensor (42) is associated with the body (34). The sensor (42) generates an output signal in response to and indicative of a load being applied to the body (34) through the adjacent bones (24 and 26). A telemetric device (40) is operatively coupled with the sensor (42). The telemetric device (40) is operable to receive the output signal from the sensor (42) and to transmit an EMF signal dependent upon the output signal. According to various aspects of the invention, the sensor comprises a pressure sensor (42), a load cell (320), and/or at least one strain gauge (142).

Abstract: A method of determining the size and/or placement of a prosthetic disc in a disc space between adjacent endplates of two vertebrae in a selected spinal area, comprising: using a computer to identify the disc space parameters of height, width, depth and lordosis between the adjacent vertebral endplates; using a computer to create an artificial volume corresponding to an actual prosthetic disc that can be positioned in the disc space in accordance with a manufacturer's size and lordosis specifications for prosthesis; using a computer to determine the center of the disc space and the center of rotation of the prosthetic disc volume; using a computer to position the prosthetic disc volume in the disc space such that the center of rotation of the prosthetic disc volume is positioned posterior to the center of the disc space; and using a computer to determine the prosthetic disc volume that fits within the disc space in accordance with a surgeon's or manufacturer's specification for prosthesis.

Abstract: A device, such as an implantable medical device (IMD) or a programming device, determines when a patient is attempting to sleep. When the device determines that the patient is attempting to sleep, the device determines values for one or more metrics that indicate the quality of a patient's sleep based on at least one physiological parameter of the patient. When the device determines that the patient is not attempting to sleep, the device periodically determines activity levels of the patient. Activity metric values may be determined based on the determined activity levels. A clinician may use sleep quality information and patient activity information presented by a programming device to, for example, evaluate the effectiveness of therapy delivered to the patient by the medical device.

Abstract: A microprocessor implemented method of managing and preventing the onset of computer related fatigue, the method comprising the steps of: providing a user; determining when the user begins fatigue inducing activities to provide a start time; requiring an anti-fatigue break for a predetermined anti-fatigue time period after the start time; disengaging the user through a staged process sequence; and preventing the user from being able to perform the fatigue inducing activities for a predetermined anti-fatigue time period.

Abstract: A method for creating a frame of reference of a leg of a subject for subsequent 3-D kinematic analysis of the leg with non-invasive trackable references secured to the femur and the tibia of the leg. The method comprises the steps of: i) obtaining tibial and femoral axes with respect to the trackable references by tracking points and motions of the leg; ii) registering a known posture of the subject with respect to the trackable references; iii) obtaining a desired posture of the subject with respect to the trackable references as a function of the known posture by tracking a predetermined motion of the leg; and iv) setting a frame of reference to said tibial and femoral axes of the leg in the desired posture of the subject with respect to the trackable references.

Abstract: Apparatus for simultaneously measuring the range of motion in a full 360 degree by 180 degree dual axis range. The devices and software applications allow for real time measurement of total spine and extremity movements by analyzing both pitch and roll angles simultaneously. This provides the tester with an extremely accurate account of range of motion without the usual inaccuracies of individual turning into or away from the set movement plane. Furthermore, the small and easy positioning device and application software allow the system to function without dependency on gravity for accuracy of motion measurement.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for continually monitoring the spine of a user via device containing electromechanical transducer, processor, delay, transmitter, and a feedback component. Through the device and method of employing, the user will be able to learn and sustain a proper posture, thereby avoiding future back pain.

Abstract: A device to monitor penetration of an instrument in an anatomical structure including at least two electrodes, a source of current supplying the at least two electrodes, and means for measuring impedance between the electrodes, wherein the electrodes are located on the penetration instrument, wherein the first electrode has a contact surface coinciding with a distal surface of the penetration instrument and the second electrode has a contact surface coinciding with a lateral surface of the penetration instrument, and wherein the contact surfaces are dimensioned to have a coinciding and constant contact surface as a function of a degree of penetration of the penetration instrument in the anatomical structure.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting, monitoring, measuring and recording the motion of a patient's spine is disclosed. The apparatus includes a vertical member attached to a belt that fits around the patient's waist. A first sensor for detecting and monitoring flexion and extension of the patient's spine in the midsagittal plane is mounted to the lower end of the vertical member. A second sensor for detecting and monitoring lateral bending and movement of the patient's spine in the frontal plane is mounted to the upper end of the vertical member.

Abstract: The invention provides a human spinal column measuring and displaying system for calculating a measured data of three-dimensional coordinates and a circumflex angle of the spinal column by scanning a predetermined probe along the spinal column, and simulating a shape of the spinal column from the measured data to be able to display a three-dimensional pseudonymous spinal column image by utilizing a computer graphics.

Abstract: A system improves the design of artificial implant components for use in joint replacement surgeries. The system includes an anthropometric static image data analyzer, an implant model data generator, a kinematic model simulator, and a dynamic response data analyzer. The implant model data generator may also use image data of a joint in motion for modification of the implant model data used in the kinematic simulation. Dynamic response data generated by the kinematic model simulation is analyzed by the dynamic response data analyzer to generate differential data that may be used to further refine the implant model data.

Abstract: A software system and apparatus for the collection of various measurements of the human body representing deviations from an ideal posture in several planes of motion relative to the body. A specially designed apparatus enables the correct measurements, while the software component performs an analysis of the measurements and recommends an exercise routine based on the severity of the deviations with respect to the planes of motion. The routine can be adjusted based on the flexibility and motivation of the patient as well as on the type of symptoms being experienced by the person. Additionally, physiologic factors are taken into account, such as the person's age and weight. The exercise routine is provided via a computer display, via email or via a web page available on the Internet, utilizing textual descriptions and visual and audio aids to describe the exercises.

Abstract: In order to avoid the use of a marking element on the pelvic bone in a method for determining the mechanical axis of a femur, with which the femur is moved about the hip joint, the movement of the femur is followed via a navigation system by means of a marking element on the femur, position data of the femur obtained therefrom are stored and the position of the mechanical axis of the femur is calculated relative to the same from the various position data of the femur in various positions, it is suggested that the femur be pivoted from an initial position only through a maximum pivoting angle of 15° in various directions and that the mechanical axis of the femur be calculated from the position data of the surface area thereby covered by the marking element and from the position data of the knee joint otherwise determined. In addition, a device for carrying out this method is described.

Abstract: A system for performing osteotomies includes a bone plate and a retractor assembly. The bone plate is operative for securing the relative positions between first and second portions of a bone that are separated by a gap. The bone plate generally includes a first mounting portion, a second mounting portion and an intermediate portion. The first mounting portion is for attachment to the first bone portion. The second mounting portion is for attachment to the second bone portion. The intermediate portion connects the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion in a first direction and has a central width in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction that is substantially less than a width of first and second ends. The retractor assembly establishes a wedge-shaped gap between the first and second portions of the bone. The retractor assembly generally includes first and second handle members and first and second jaw members.

Abstract: An improved support belt, support apparel, along with a process for creating such products. A mechanism by which support belts provide protection to the user is disclosed, which mechanism is generally applicable to all human joints.

Abstract: Methods and systems for generating custom implants by programmatically analyzing a patient's image data to electronically obtain shapes and dimensions of relevant anatomical features of a target region of the patient; and fabricating a patient-specific replacement implant for the patient using the analyzed patient image data. Related patient-specific spinal implants are also described.

Abstract: A measurement device to determining a length of an anatomical feature is provided. In one embodiment, the measurement device is a depth gauge adapted to measure the depth of a vertebral endplate. The depth gauge may includes a probe that travels into the disc space. The depth gauge also includes a cam dial for indicating measurements.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for calculating postural deviation values indicative of a skeletal condition risk in a patient including the steps of obtaining position data identifying a position in space of body landmarks of an upper body of a patient while standing relaxed and in normal posture; obtaining weight data of the patient; calculating vertical and horizontal plumb line using the position data; and calculating angle deviation values of body parts of the patient being indicative of a skeletal condition risk with respect to the plumb line position value using the position data.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel spreader tensiometer adapted for use in measuring tension in an intervertebral disc space.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for measuring spinal instability through the use of a distractor arm assembly having segments pivotal with respect to each other and movable through the movement of a pivotal collar assembly along a centrally positioned jackscrew.

Abstract: According to a human spinal column measuring and displaying system of the invention, a probe is pinched between the second finger and the third finger of a measuring person, front ends of the fingers are moved from the first thoracic vertebra to the fifth lumbar vertebra of the spinal column of a measured subject, detaching amounts from reference positions in X, Y and Z directions are detected by three-dimensionally moving the front ends of the fingers. Based on measured data, positions of displaying the vertebrae in correspondence with positions of coordinates in X direction, Y direction and Z direction of the respective vertebrae are moved and a three-dimensional image of the spinal column of the measured subject is generated and the image of the spinal column is displayed on a display screen.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the spinal distortions of a person with laser sources prior to and after chiropractic treatment of a patient to differentiate between spinal distortions prior to and subsequent to any treatment. The apparatus includes a wall chart having measurement indicia, shoulder and/or pelvic girdle harnesses or frames mounted on a patient and each having means for projecting laser line and/or dot beams onto the wall chart for measuring spinal tilt and torque. A unique protractor is provided to coact with the wall chart and the laser line beam to measure spinal tilt. A laser source for projecting a vertical line beam measures abnormalities in posture by projecting the beam to a side of a patient.