Abstract: A computerized system and method for establishing a posture correction exercise program requires observing the patient relative to a predetermined framework. This is done to identify postural mal-alignments for the patient that can be respectively referenced to a predetermined view plane (frontal; sagittal; and transverse planes) and graded according to their severity. Additionally, the patient's weight bearing sensations are obtained for use with the mal-alignment data. This data is then input to a computer where each mal-alignment is matched with an exercise to create the corrective exercise program. The corrective exercise program can then be edited to customize the program for the patient.

Abstract: A method for extracting geometrical data from a 2-D digital image of the spine, comprising steps for determining spine outlines, endplates and corners wherein: digitizing the spine center line and end points; constructing a 2-D image band, referred to as Rubber-Band, whose center line is a spline representing the spine center line, and unfolding said Rubber-Band for constructing a 2-D Rectangular-Band; processing the 2-D Rectangular-Band image data in order to estimate best paths going through selected points for determining the spine outlines, then the endplates based on the found outline data and the corners at the intersection of the outlines and endplates.

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

Abstract: Device for determining the size of a blind void comprises an elongated rigid rod, an actuator slidably movable relative to the rod, the actuator having a distal end for insertion into the void, a distal flexible element fixed at one end thereof to the rod, a second flexible element fixed at one end thereof to the rod and proximally removed from the distal flexible element. Movement of the actuator is operative to cause equal movements of the distal end portions of the distal and proximal elements, to cause the distal element to bulge outwardly from the rod to engage interior walls of the void and to cause the proximal element to bulge outwardly in a configuration duplicative of the distal element bulge, the proximal element being outside of the void and subject to observation.

Abstract: A system, device and/or method for measuring spinal proprioception, as can be used to screen proprioceptive loss and/or improvement after treatment.

Abstract: Device for determining the size of a blind void comprises an elongated rigid rod, an actuator slidably movable relative to the rod, the actuator having a distal end for insertion into the void, a distal flexible element fixed at one end thereof to the rod, a second flexible element fixed at one end thereof to the rod and proximally removed from the distal flexible element. Movement of the actuator is operative to cause equal movements of the distal end portions of the distal and proximal elements, to cause the distal element to bulge outwardly from the rod to engage interior walls of the void and to cause the proximal element to bulge outwardly in a configuration duplicative of the distal element bulge, the proximal element being outside of the void and subject to observation.

Abstract: A computerized system and method for establishing a posture correction exercise program requires observing the patient relative to a predetermined framework. This is done to identify postural mal-alignments for the patient that can be respectively referenced to a predetermined view plane (frontal; sagittal; and transverse planes) and graded according to their severity. Additionally, the patient's weight bearing sensations are obtained for use with the mal-alignment data. This data is then input to a computer where each mal-alignment is matched with an exercise to create the corrective exercise program. The corrective exercise program can then be edited to customize the program for the patient.

Abstract: A posture training device for back muscles direct training to maintain good posture. Rigid spinal curvature model with sensors and single attachment point method provide preferable shoulder based and alternative belt based embodiments.

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 pattern is determined of the neck movement of a subject. The head/body movement of the subject is recorded with markers placed on the shoulders and on the head and thus moving with the subject. The locus curve of each marker in three-dimensional space is then determined in dependence on the time and it is stored as a data set. The neck movement is isolated from the head and torso movements by determining the difference between the average of the two locus curves that represent the shoulder movements and the locus curve representing the head movement. The pattern of movement established on the cranio-corpo-graphy is evaluated and analyzed using a data-processing device. The method is particularly suitable for determining the presence and the severity of an injury to the cervical spine as a result of whiplash caused by a traffic accident.

Abstract: An interdiscal tensiometer comprises a load measuring means for measuring load between two points and a distance measuring means for measuring distance between the two points. A method of use is also provided.

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: Device for determining the size of a blind void comprises an elongated rigid rod, an actuator slidably movable relative to the rod, the actuator having a distal end for insertion into the void, a distal flexible element fixed at one end thereof to the rod, a second flexible element fixed at one end thereof to the rod and proximally removed from the distal flexible element. Movement of the actuator is operative to cause equal movements of the distal end portions of the distal and proximal elements, to cause the distal element to bulge outwardly from the rod to engage interior walls of the void and to cause the proximal element to bulge outwardly in a configuration duplicative of the distal element bulge, the proximal element being outside of the void and subject to observation.

Abstract: A system that remotely measures displacement between two objects. A passive sensor is affixed to each object, such that the sensors are substantially parallel. Each sensor has a permeable rod, a surrounding coil, and a tuning capacitor, and have substantially the same resonant frequency. When an interrogating device is placed near the sensors, the frequency responses of the sensors indicates their relative displacement and thus the displacement between the objects.

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: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for calculating postural deviation values indicative of a skeletal condition risk in a patient comprising the steps of obtaining position data identifying a position in the space of body landmarks of 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 deviations values of body parts of said patient being indicative of a skeletal condition risk with respect to the plumb line position value using the position data.

Abstract: Techniques are described for detecting removal of a medical device from a station and activating an alarm in response to the detected removal. More specifically, the station includes a detector that detects removal of the medical device and causes the alarm to activate upon detecting the removal. For example, the station may include an optical detector that receives an optical signal from a light transmitter on the medical device. When the optical detector does not receive a signal from the medical device, the optical detector sends a signal to activate the alarm. The optical detector may, for example, not receive an optical signal when the medical device is too far from the optical detector or oriented in an improper direction. The sensitivity of the detector may further be calibrated to allow different detection ranges to be defined for the station.

Abstract: Spinal modeling is based on a concept called spinal energy which assumes that the spine assumes a shape to minimize spinal energy. Spinal energy depends on parameters called stiffness coefficients. These parameters can be determined from human data which, by hypothesis, are universal for a large class of humans. The method adapts Newton's method to the manifold SO(3)n to find a solution of model of the human spine. Where basins of attraction are small in Newton's method, homotopy methods are introduced to move from known solutions to unknown solutions. By setting the gradient of the spinal energy to zero, Newton's method is used to solve the inverse problem of finding stiffness coefficients from human data. A new approach to improving deformed spines uses the modeling method based on spinal energy. This approach preserves maximally the range of motion of the spine. The technique used is vertebraplasty; i.e.

Abstract: A system that remotely measures displacement between two objects. A passive sensor is affixed between the objects. The internal sensor uses magnetic coupling between two sensor elements to measure their relative displacement. The sensors are either a) a permeable rod and a complimentary coil in parallel with a tuning capacitor; or b) two permeable rods, each having its own surrounding coil and a tuning capacitor. One of the sensor elements is affixed to each object which is to be monitored. When an interrogating device is placed near the sensors, a resonance can be measured whose frequency characteristics change in a reproducible manner with the relative displacement of the sensors. The resulting resonance characteristics can be calibrated in such a way as to enable the displacement of the objects to be determined.

Abstract: The Electro-Mechanical Assembly for Measurements of Spine Curvatures is an inexpensive, accurate, and efficient means of measuring spine position (flexation), along its entire length, and in dynamic and remote test situations.

Abstract: A posture training device for back muscles direct training to maintain good posture. Rigid spinal curvature model with sensors and single attachment point method provide preferable shoulder based and alternative belt based embodiments.

Abstract: A postural awareness apparatus includes a pad, signal means for producing a signal, detection means for determining a weight applied to the pad and activating the signal means when the weight exceeds a predetermined weight, means for producing an output when the detection means determines the weight, and means for recording the output.

Abstract: Device for determining the size of a blind void comprises an elongated rigid rod, an actuator slidably movable relative to the rod, the actuator having a distal end for insertion into the void, a distal flexible element fixed at one end thereof to the rod, a second flexible element fixed at one end thereof to the rod and proximally removed from the distal flexible element. Movement of the actuator is operative to cause equal movements of the distal end portions of the distal and proximal elements, to cause the distal element to bulge outwardly from the rod to engage interior walls of the void and to cause the proximal element to bulge outwardly in a configuration duplicative of the distal element bulge, the proximal element being outside of the void and subject to observation.

Abstract: A method for etiologic diagnosis of ascending postural disturbances and a therapeutic method for correction of such ascending postural disturbances, comprising the steps of: identifying the type of a patient's postural disturbance to ascertain whether it is of an ascending, descending or multiple type, by means of mechanical maneuvers each apt to inhibit a respective foot or cranial nervous input to the Central Nervous System; in case an ascending postural disturbance is identified, identifying the specific intrinsic muscle(s) of the foot sole responsible for such disturbance; and performing an exteroceptive, pressoceptive, proprioceptive and/or reflexogen stimulation of an insertion point of the intrinsic muscle(s) identified as responsible for the ascending postural disturbance.

Abstract: A portable intelligent stretching device for use by patients suffering from spastic and contractured joints and limbs. The intelligent stretching device has a motor and a motor shaft for rotating the joint or limb. The variable velocity and stretch distance of the device is determined by a torque sensor on the joint or limb that communicates information to a controller which subsequently instructs the motor as to the variable velocity and stretch distance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of medicine and in particular to prophylaxis and therapy of diseases of pelvic and coxofemoral organs of a human body. The prophylactic and therapeutic effect is produced by combination of a physical work of human locomotor system subjecting of internal organs to modulated magnetic field. Magnetic field is modulated by signals supplied from the detector of motion or/and from the output of the audiosystem for listening-in music.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biofeedback device for providing a wearer with instantaneous and continuous information about their posture. The device comprises a sensor unit affixed to the wearer, an attachment element affixed to the wearer, an elastic cord extending between the sensor unit and the attachment element, and movement of the elastic cord due to incorrect posture actuating an indicating device. The biofeedback device further comprises a power pack separate from the sensor unit.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and devices for navigating a subarachnoid space in a vertebrate organism including percutaneously introducing a device into the spinal subarachnoid space at an entry location. Navigation of the spinal subarachnoid space is disclosed for the purpose of reaching a desired location in the subarachnoid space or the intracranial space, including areas in and around the spinal cord and brain. Once a desired location is reached, methods and devices for cooling or heating the desired location to cause physiologic changes are suggested.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring posture deficiencies in the spine and including a flexible body (30) encapsulating a flexible operating arm (31) cantilevered from a base moulding (34). The operating arm (31) is provided with upper (37) and lower (40) strain gauges bonded to the upper and lower faces respectively of the operating arm (31) at the point beyond the stiffening base moulding (34) to ensure that differential strain is experienced on deflection of the operating arm (31). Wire tails (41) are terminated as a PCB assembly (45) mounted to the printed circuit support (35), which assembly comprises a PC board bearing an LSI processor (46), rechargeable battery (47), vibrating motor (50) and inductive coil (51) selected to fulfil the functions of transmitting and receiving element, and inductive power supply for charging the battery (47), under the control of processor (46).

Abstract: Exercise orthoses are described that include a frame, a fluid bladder held by the frame, a pressure sensor attached to the fluid bladder and a microprocessor receiving the pressure measurements. The microprocessor monitors variations in pressure and determines differences between the measured pressures and predetermined target values. The frame can be designed to support a hinge joint or at least one vertebra. Furthermore, corrective back orthoses are described that include a frame, force applicators connected to the frame to apply force to the patient's spine, a sensor that measures forces associated with the force applicators and a control unit that monitors forces measured by the sensor. The corrective back orthosis can include fluid bladders as force applicators. The control unit can include a microprocessor.

Abstract: A contour mapping system useful as a spine analyzer includes a probe for application to a user's hand with the outer tip of at least one finger of the hand movable along the outer surface of the person's spine or other object whose contour is to be mapped. A position sensor carried by the probe is movable with the user's finger as the finger moves along the outer surface of the object. The system tracks and displays the movements of the position sensor as the probe is moved with the user's hand along the outer surface of the object. An ultrasonic transducer may be combined with the position sensor on the same probe and used to examine particular vertebrae, such as apex vertebrae, for rotation and/or deformation.

Abstract: A contour mapping system useful as a spine analyzer includes a probe for application to a user's hand with the outer tip of at least one finger of the hand movable along the outer surface of the object (e.g., a person's spine) whose contour is to be mapped. A position sensor is carried by the probe and is movable therewith, and with the user's hand, as the user's finger moves along the outer surface of the object. The system further includes a position tracking system for tracking the movement of the position sensor as the probe is moved with the user's hand along the outer surface of the object.

Abstract: Device for determining the size of a blind void comprises an elongated rigid rod, an actuator slidably movable relative to the rod, the actuator having a distal end for insertion into the void, a distal flexible element fixed at one end thereof to the rod, a second flexible element fixed at one end thereof to the rod and proximally removed from the distal flexible element. Movement of the actuator is operative to cause equal movements of the distal end portions of the distal and proximal elements, to cause the distal element to bulge outwardly from the rod to engage interior walls of the void and to cause the proximal element to bulge outwardly in a configuration duplicative of the distal element bulge, the proximal element being outside of the void and subject to observation.

Abstract: Studies investigating posteroanterior (PA) forces in spinal stiffness assessment have shown relationships to spinal level, body type, and lumbar extensor muscle activity. Little objective evidence is available discerning variation in PA stiffness and its clinical significance. The aim of this prospective clinical study was to determine the stiffness index and neuromuscular characteristics of the asymptomatic and symptomatic low back. Twenty-two subject underwent physical examination and completed outcome VAS, Oswestry, and SF-36 questionnaires. A hand-held spinal manipulation instrument, equipped with a load cell and accelerometer was used to deliver high rate (<0.1 sec) PA manipulative thrusts (450 N) to several common spinal landmarks including the posterior superior iliac spine (PSIS), sacral base, and L5, L4, L2, T12, T8 spinous (SP) and transverse processes (TP).

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for measuring and supporting the cervical curve include a tool comprising a plurality of predetermined curves each substantially complementary in shape to a cervical curve, for measuring a person's cervical curve when the tool is positioned adjacent the nape of the person's neck. The tool comprises a predetermined size range of curves for allowing measurement of variously sized cervical curves. An embodiment of the tool includes a plurality of cards having a predetermined curve positioned along the edge of the card, for positioning adjacent the nape of the person's neck to measure the cervical curve. The method includes providing a cervical support pillow having dimensions substantially corresponding to the cervical curve measurement.

Abstract: A posture analyzer for analyzing a patient's spine having an upright standard secured to a base resting on a floor. A rectangular frame has one side frame member secured to the upright standard at a selected height. The frame member supports a markable panel, which panel includes an orthogonal grid pattern and a normal spine depiction on the panel. A bar holder is slidably secured to a second side frame member. The bar holder is moveable in the vertical direction along the second side frame member. The bar holder includes means for slidably holding a bar which extends in a horizontal direction parallel to the planar surface of the panel. A roller is secured to an end of the bar for rolling up and down a patient's spine, and a pen is secured to the opposite end of the bar for marking on the planar surface of the panel. When the roller is moved vertically and horizontally along a patient's spine, the pen makes a corresponding tracking mark on the panel.

Abstract: A system that remotely measures displacement between two objects. A passive sensor is affixed between the objects. The internal sensor uses magnetic coupling between two sensor elements to measure their relative displacement. The sensors are either a) a permeable rod and a complimentary coil in parallel with a tuning capacitor; or b) two permeable rods, each having its own surrounding coil and a tuning capacitor. One of the sensor elements is affixed to each object which is to be monitored. When an interrogating device is placed near the sensors, a resonance can be measured whose frequency characteristics change in a reproducible manner with the relative displacement of the sensors. The resulting resonance characteristics can be calibrated in such a way as to enable the displacement of the objects to be determined.

Abstract: A contour mapping system useful as a spine analyzer includes a probe for application to a user's hand with the outer tip of at least one finger of the hand movable along the outer surface of the object (e.g., a person's spine) whose contour is to be mapped. A position sensor is carried by the probe and is movable therewith, and with the user's hand, as the user's finger moves along the outer surface of the object. The system further includes a position tracking system for tracking the movement of the position sensor as the probe is moved with the user's hand along the outer surface of the object.

Abstract: A contour mapping system useful as a spine analyzer includes a probe for application to a user's hand with the outer tip of at least one finger of the hand movable along the outer surface of the person's spine or other object whose contour is to be mapped. A position sensor carried by the probe is movable with the user's finger as the finger moves along the outer surface of the object. The system tracks and displays the movements of the position sensor as the probe is moved with the user's hand along the outer surface of the object. An ultrasonic transducer may be combined with the position sensor on the same probe and used to examine particular vertebrae, such as apex vertebrae, for rotation and/or deformation.

Abstract: A distance measurement system is provided. The distance measurement system includes at least one resonant circuit, at least one magnetic element with predetermined magnetic properties, a transmitter operable to transmit an electromagnetic pulse, a receiver operable to detect oscillations emitted by said resonant circuit in response to said electromagnetic pulse, and an analyzer operable to analyze an amplitude envelope property of said oscillations, to thereby determine a distance between the resonant circuit and the magnetic element.

Abstract: A guide for assisting a health care practitioner in evaluating radiographic images of spines is based on a flexible transparent sheet bearing images thereon which each include an edge representing the periphery of a vertebra and a line inscribed thereon laterally displaced from the edge by a measured distance which represents the maximum thickness of soft tissue allowed in the absence of a cervical spinal injury for each corresponding cervical vertebra. A process for evaluating a radiographic image of a spine involves placing the guide over a lateral radiographic image of a subject spine that is to be evaluated with the edge representing the periphery of a selected vertebra placed in alignment with the radiographic image of the corresponding selected cervical vertebra. The amount of soft tissue appearing in radiographic image is observed in relation to the line and thereby determining whether the amount of soft tissue present exceeds a soft tissue allowance for the specific vertebra.

Abstract: A method is provided for treating postural instability following a determination that a patient is experiencing postural instability. The method includes the steps of (a) providing a vibration table having a non-rigidly supported platform; (b) permitting the patient to rest on the non-rigidly supported platform for a predetermined period of time; and (c) repeating the steps (a) and (b) over a predetermined treatment duration. Step (b) includes the steps of (b1) measuring a vibrational response of the patient's musculoskeletal system using a vibration measurement device; (b2) performing a frequency decomposition of the vibrational response to quantify the vibrational response into specific vibrational spectra; and (b3) analyzing the vibrational spectra to evaluate at least postural stability. Preferably, the predetermined period of time is approximately 10 minutes and the predetermined treatment duration is at least four weeks.

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 posture analyzer for analyzing a patient's spine having an upright standard secured to a base resting on a floor. A rectangular frame has one side frame member secured to the upright standard at a selected height. The frame member supports a markable panel, which panel includes an orthogonal grid pattern and a normal spine depiction on the panel. A bar holder is slidably secured to a second side frame member. The bar holder is moveable in the vertical direction along the second side frame member. The bar holder includes means for slidably holding a bar which extends in a horizontal direction parallel to the planar surface of the panel. A roller is secured to an end of the bar for rolling up and down a patient's spine, and a pen is secured to the opposite end of the bar for marking on the planar surface of the panel. When the roller is moved vertically and horizontally along a patient's spine, the pen makes a corresponding tracking mark on the panel.

Abstract: A method of diagnosing the spine of a patient is provided, the method comprising (a) placing a patient to be diagnosed in a prone position; (b) providing a magnetometer; (c) identifying a vertebra of the spine to be diagnosed; (d) placing the magnetometer over the vertebra to be diagnosed and obtaining a magnetometer reading of the vertebra; (e) identifying at least one additional vertebra to be diagnosed and repeating step (d) for the at least one additional vertebra, and (f) interpreting the data to identify a subluxated vertebra. The method also includes delivering a chiropractic adjustment to the subluxated vertebra identified. A subluxated vertebra is thus identified using a magnetometer.

Abstract: A pressing medical treatment apparatus (10) comprises a pressing section (55) for pressing the back of a human body and a detecting section (66) for detecting spinous process. The detecting section (66) includes a pressure sensitive sensor (23) for detecting spinous process, and it is movable in the plane parallel to the back of the human body by the aid of a guide section (21). The detecting section (66) is moved along vertebral column to detect spinous process of seventh cervical vertebra. Respective spinous processes of first to twelfth thoracic vertebras are detected on the basis thereof. A control unit (9) stores positions of thoracic vertebras corresponding to detection positions of respective spinous processes. The control unit (9) controls operation of the pressing section (55) on the basis of the stored position information so that predetermined thoracic vertebra (affected part) is pressed by using a roller (5).

Abstract: An effect analogous to a tail-pinch effect is evoked in humans by apparatus for applying variable localized pressure to the spine. Control of the pressure can be accomplished manually, by remote control and/or automatically. By selectively applying pressure a number of changes can be evoked in the human including, for example, causing an increase in appetite, a change in sexual behavior, increased blood flow to brain, and/or an increase of neurotransmitters, including dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine. The effect is useful in treating Parkinson's disease, depressive disorders, stroke and other conditions.

Abstract: An anatomic torsion monitor includes an examination table (A) equipped with forcibly extendable pads (54, 56) which are utilized to rotationally displace a patient (P) about the patient's transverse axis. A laser (84), or other such pointer, is disposed on a platform (90) which rests across the abdomen of the patient (P) to measure the rotational displacement. The output of the laser (84) is projected onto a scaled chart (100). Clockwise and counterclockwise rotational displacements of the patient (P) as a function of applied forces are obtained by reading the projection of the laser (84) on the scaled chart (100) as the forces are applied and withdrawn. Plotting the rotational displacement versus force on a Cartesian coordinate system produces a continuous, bounded, four quadrant hysteresis loop (116).

Abstract: An exercise apparatus includes a pad, a signal generating element and an element for detecting a weight applied to the pad and activating the signal generating element when the weight so detected exceeds a predetermined weight.

Abstract: A cervical muscle evaluation apparatus comprises a head station which is adjustable to different head sizes and shapes, a body positioning unit which positions the user's body for head placement in the head station and an indicator which indicates cervical muscle controlled head movement of the user's head within the head station.

Abstract: A carbon-based adsorbent comprising active carbon provided with electron-donative surface functional groups which are bonded directly and chemically to graphite constructing the surface of the active carbon and are coordinated with metallic ions to form chelate structures, which has adsorbing power similar to that of common active carbon and additionally the ability to remove specific harmful gas molecules and smelling gas molecules from air, thus being especially effective for gas filters.