JOINT SENSOR DEVICES AND METHODS

• US 20140128689A1
• Filed: 04/06/2012
• Published: 05/08/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 04/06/2011
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Northeastern University
• Original Assignee: Northeastern University
• Inventors: Stewart, Kirk W., Pestana, Noah, Quigley, Nicholas, Proulx, Chris
• Application Number:
  US14/110,003
• Publication Number:
  US 20140128689A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/301
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0008 Temperature signals
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/01 Measuring temperature of body parts ; Diagnostic temperature sensing, e.g. for malignant or inflamed tissue clinical contact thermometers G01K13/20
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1121 Determining geometric values, e.g. centre of rotation or angular range of movement
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/4528 Joints A61B5/4533, A61B5/4538 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6828 Leg
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/7246 using correlation, e.g. template matching or determination of similarity
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/7282 Event detection, e.g. detecting unique waveforms indicative of a medical condition A61B5/4094, A61B5/4818, A61B5/349, A61B5/0823 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/742 using visual displays A61B5/339 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 7/006 Detecting skeletal, cartilage or muscle noise A61B7/003 and A61B7/008 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 5/0102 specially adapted for correcting deformities of the limbs or for supporting them; Ortheses, e.g. with articulations

Abstract

Joint sensor devices, bracing members, and methods of use are provided. A joint sensor device includes a bracing member contoured to fit over a joint on a limb of a human subject, such that the bracing member allows the limb to pivot; at least a first sensor operably connected to the bracing member, such that the first sensor is configured to detect an angle of the joint; at least a second sensor operably connected to the bracing member, such that the second sensor is configured to detect a vibration caused by joint movement; and a data communication device operably connected to the sensors, wherein the data communication device communicates signals from the sensors to an external device. The devices can also include temperature sensors. Bracing members and methods of monitoring joint health of subjects are also disclosed.

Claims

1. A joint sensor device, comprising:

(a) a bracing member contoured to fit over a joint on a limb of a subject, wherein the bracing member allows the limb to pivot;

(b) at least a first sensor operably connected to the bracing member, wherein the first sensor is configured to detect an angle of the joint;

(c) at least a second sensor operably connected to the bracing member, wherein the second sensor is configured to detect a vibration caused by joint movement; and

(d) a data communication device operably connected to the sensors, wherein the data communication device communicates signals from the sensors to an external device.

2. The joint sensor device of claim 1, wherein the bracing member acts as the first sensor.

3. The device of claim 1, further comprising at least a third sensor operably connected to the bracing member, wherein the third sensor is configured to detect a temperature.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein the third sensor is configured to detect the temperature of the joint and/or of a location away from the joint.

5. The device of claim 3, wherein the bracing member is a sleeve having an inner surface and an outer surface.

6. The device of claim 3, wherein the data communication device communicates sensor signals to an external device using a wireless communication protocol.

7. The device of claim 3, wherein the data communication device communicates sensor signals to an external device using a wire.

8. The device of claim 3, wherein the external device comprises memory and is configured to store and display the sensor signal data.

9. The device of claim 3, wherein the second sensor includes a sensing tip, wherein the tip increases detection sensitivity.

10. The device of claim 3, wherein the limb is the knee of the subject.

18. A method of monitoring joint health of a subject, comprising:

(a) obtaining data using the joint sensor device of claim 1, wherein the angle and vibration data are correlated;

(b) establishing a baseline data range over a period of time that reflects typical functioning of the joint of a subject; and

(c) comparing the baseline data range to test data from the subject to monitor joint health.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the temperature data are correlated with the angle and vibration data in step (a).

20. The method of claim 18, further comprising:

alerting the subject when the test data is significantly different from the baseline data range.

21. The method of claim 20, further comprising:

diagnosing an arthropathy based on the comparison of the baseline data range to the test data.

11. A bracing member, comprising:

(a) a flexible member contoured to fit over a joint on a limb of a subject, wherein the flexible member allows the limb to pivot;

(b) at least a first sensor operably connected to the flexible member, wherein the first sensor is configured to detect an angle of the joint; and

(c) at least a second sensor operably connected to the flexible member, wherein the second sensor is configured to detect a vibration caused by joint movement.

12. The bracing member of claim 11, wherein the flexible member acts as the first sensor.

13. The bracing member of claim 11, further comprising:

at least a third sensor operably connected to the flexible member, wherein the third sensor is configured to detect a temperature.

14. The bracing member of claim 13, wherein the third sensor is configured to detect the temperature of the joint and/or of a location away from the joint.

15. The bracing member of claim 14, wherein the flexible member is a sleeve having an inner surface and an outer surface.

16. The bracing member of claim 14, wherein the second sensor includes a sensing tip, wherein the tip increases detection sensitivity.

17. The bracing member of claim 14, wherein the limb is the knee of the subject.