Method and apparatus for monitoring and identifying sounds characteristic of tendon translation within the carpal tunnel
First Claim
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1. A method for detecting events related to tendon translation in the carpal tunnel, the method comprising the steps of:
- (a) monitoring energy produced by tendon movement resulting in the interaction of tendons and surrounding carnal tunnel structures during hand use; and
(b) determining the frequency or amount of said energy and thereby evaluate the presence or absence of snapping of the tendons against the carpal tunnel structures during said hand use.
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Abstract
An apparatus and method for monitoring the energy, such as acoustic energy, generated by the translational (or "snapping") movement of tendons across the carpal tunnel, whereby an energy signature for such movement can be recognized. Feedback can then be provided to or about the person being monitored to permit, encourage, or force that person to choose a different movement whereby detrimental translational movement of tendons is reduced or minimized. Such reductions may result in a lower occurrence of CTS or the avoidance of its deleterious effects.
34 Citations
30 Claims
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1. A method for detecting events related to tendon translation in the carpal tunnel, the method comprising the steps of:
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(a) monitoring energy produced by tendon movement resulting in the interaction of tendons and surrounding carnal tunnel structures during hand use; and (b) determining the frequency or amount of said energy and thereby evaluate the presence or absence of snapping of the tendons against the carpal tunnel structures during said hand use. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 10)
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5. An apparatus for detecting events related to tendon translation in the carpal tunnel, the apparatus comprising:
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(a) means for monitoring energy produced by tendon movement resulting in the interaction of tendons and surrounding carpal tunnel structures during hand use; and (b) means for determining the frequency or amount of said energy and thereby evaluate the presence or absence of snapping of the tendons against the carpal tunnel structures during said hand use. - View Dependent Claims (6, 7, 8, 9, 11)
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12. An apparatus for detecting events related to tendon translation in the carpal tunnel, the apparatus comprising:
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(a) ultrasound means for monitoring energy generated by the interaction of tendons with the synovium in the carpal tunnel during hand use; and (b) means for determining the frequency or amount of said energy.
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13. A method for detecting events related to tendon translation in the carpal tunnel, the method comprising the steps of:
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(a) monitoring energy produced by tendon movement resulting in the interaction of tendons and surrounding carpal tunnel structures including soft tissue during hand use; and (b) determining the frequency or amount of said energy and thereby evaluate the elastic compliance of said soft tissue. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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22. An apparatus for detecting events related to tendon translation in the carpal tunnel, the apparatus comprising:
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(a) means for monitoring energy produced by tendon movement resulting in the interaction of tendons and surrounding carpal tunnel structures including soft tissue during hand use; and (b) means for determining the frequency or amount of said energy and thereby evaluate the elastic compliance of said soft tissue. - View Dependent Claims (23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30)
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Specification