METHODS AND INSTRUMENTS FOR ASSESSING BONE FRACTURE RISK
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Abstract
Methods and instruments for assessing bone, for example fracture risk, in a subject in which a test probe is inserted through the skin of the subject so that the test probe contacts the subject'"'"'s bone and the resistance of the test bone to microscopic fracture by the test probe is determined. Macroscopic bone fracture risk is assessed by measuring the resistance of the bone to microscopic fractures caused by the test probe. The microscopic fractures are so small that they pose negligible health risks. The instrument may also be useful in characterizing other materials, especially if it is necessary to penetrate a layer to get to the material to be characterized.
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Citations
84 Claims
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1-68. -68. (canceled)
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69. A method for assessing bone fracture risk in a subject without surgically exposing the bone surface, the method comprising:
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inserting a probe assembly through the skin and soft tissue down to a bone, the probe assembly comprising a reference probe having a tubular section and a test probe slidably disposed within the tubular section; establishing a stationary contact point directly on the surface of the bone with the reference probe; inserting the test probe a microscopic distance into the bone to create one or more microscopic fractures in the bone; and determining one or more of the following parameters; the extent of insertion of the penetrating end of the test probe into the bone; the resistance of the bone to penetration of the test probe; the resistance of bone to removal of the test probe after it penetrates the bone;
thereby assessing bone fracture risk in the subject. - View Dependent Claims (70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76)
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77. A method for assessing bone fracture risk in a subject without surgically exposing the bone surface, the method comprising:
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inserting a probe assembly through the skin and soft tissue down to a bone, the probe assembly comprising a reference probe having a tubular section and a test probe slidably disposed within the tubular section; establishing a stationary contact point directly on the surface of the bone with the reference probe; inserting the test probe into the bone to create a yield in a small probed volume of the bone; and detecting irreversible changes in force v. distance curves by probing the yield to determine bone toughness, thereby assessing bone fracture risk in the subject. - View Dependent Claims (78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84)
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Specification