Methods and instruments for assessing bone fracture risk
First Claim
1. A method for assessing bone fracture risk in a subject, the method comprising:
- inserting a probe assembly through skin and soft tissue of the subject down to a bone, the probe assembly comprising a reference probe having a tubular section that is tapered asymmetrically 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 and the test probe, said establishing comprising exposing bone with the reference probe;
inserting the test probe into the bone; and
assessing fracture risk of the bone by evaluating one or more parameters derived from the insertion of the test probe, wherein the parameters are selected from the group consisting of;
(i) extent of insertion of the test probe into the bone, and (ii) resistance of bone to penetration of the test probe.
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Accused Products
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
16 Claims
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1. A method for assessing bone fracture risk in a subject, the method comprising:
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inserting a probe assembly through skin and soft tissue of the subject down to a bone, the probe assembly comprising a reference probe having a tubular section that is tapered asymmetrically 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 and the test probe, said establishing comprising exposing bone with the reference probe; inserting the test probe into the bone; and assessing fracture risk of the bone by evaluating one or more parameters derived from the insertion of the test probe, wherein the parameters are selected from the group consisting of;
(i) extent of insertion of the test probe into the bone, and (ii) resistance of bone to penetration of the test probe. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. A diagnostic instrument for assessing bone, comprising:
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a reference probe comprising a distal tubular section that is tapered asymmetrically; a test probe disposed within the reference probe and configured for movement relative to the reference probe, wherein the reference probe and test probe are configured for insertion through skin so as to place a distal tip of the reference probe in stationary contact with a surface of exposed bone and wherein the test probe is configured for cyclical movement with respect to the reference probe, the cyclical movement comprising repeated insertion and withdrawal of the test probe into the same location of the bone; a displacement sensor configured to measure displacement of the test probe into the bone; and a force sensor configured to measure the force to insert and withdraw the test probe. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A method for assessing bone fracture risk in a subject, the method comprising:
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inserting a probe assembly through skin and soft tissue of the subject down to a bone, the probe assembly comprising a reference probe having a tubular section that is tapered asymmetrically 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 and the test probe; inserting the test probe into the bone; and assessing fracture risk of the bone by evaluating one or more parameters derived from the insertion of the test probe, wherein the one or more parameters comprises resistance of the bone to removal of the test probe after it penetrates bone. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16)
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Specification