Method and apparatus for diagnosing joints
First Claim
1. A system for diagnosing an implantable orthopedic device within a body, said system comprising:
- a) sensor means for detecting a vibration pattern from the implantable orthopedic device;
b) preprocessor means for producing a predetermined set of data parameters in response to said sensor means which are descriptive of the vibration pattern; and
c) adaptive interpreter means for receiving said data parameters as input and providing an output which indicates at least one condition of the implantable orthopedic device.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method and apparatus for diagnosing joints based on sensed joint vibrations. Accelerometers disposed on the skin adjacent to the joint detect vibrational patterns during movement of the joint. These patterns are then processed by one processor to generate a predetermined set of data parameters descriptive of the vibration pattern. Also, the position and velocity of the joint during the vibration is recorded. This information from numerous patients with known joint conditions is used to train a adaptive interpreter, such as a neural network, to produce an output in response to these inputs which is indicative of the known joint condition. Once trained, the adaptive interpreter can then interpret this set of parameters for an unknown joint to generate a fast and reliable diagnosis. The result is a non-subjective joint disorder classification system that can be utilized by persons without particular expertise in analyzing joint vibrational patterns.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A system for diagnosing an implantable orthopedic device within a body, said system comprising:
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a) sensor means for detecting a vibration pattern from the implantable orthopedic device; b) preprocessor means for producing a predetermined set of data parameters in response to said sensor means which are descriptive of the vibration pattern; and c) adaptive interpreter means for receiving said data parameters as input and providing an output which indicates at least one condition of the implantable orthopedic device. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A method for classifying conditions in an implanted orthopedic device within a body, said method comprising the steps of:
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a) detecting a first set of vibration patterns from the implanted orthopedic device; b) using said first set of vibration patterns to train an adaptive interpreter to produce an output indicating particular possible conditions in response to particular vibration patterns; c) detecting a second set of vibration patterns from a subject implanted orthopedic device; and d) transmitting said second set of vibration patterns to said adaptive interpreter wherein said adaptive interpreter generates an output indicating the presence of one or more of said possible conditions in said subject implanted orthopedic device. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A system for classifying conditions in a joint prosthesis within a body, the system comprising:
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a) sensor means for detecting a vibration pattern from the joint prosthesis; b) means for receiving non-vibrational diagnostic information relating to said joint prosthesis; c) preprocessor means for providing a predetermined set of data parameters in response to said sensor means and said means for receiving non-vibrational diagnostic information which are descriptive of the vibration pattern and said diagnostic information; and d) adaptive interpreter means for receiving said data parameters as input and producing an output which indicates at least one classification of the condition of said joint prosthesis. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20)
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Specification