Noninvasive diagnostic system
Inventors
Mahfouz, Mohamed R. • Wasielewski, Ray C. • Komistek, Richard D.
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-12646614-B2
Publication Date
2026-06-02
Expiration Date
Abstract
A method for diagnosing a joint condition includes in one embodiment: creating a 3d model of the patient specific bone; registering the patient's bone with the bone model; tracking the motion of the patient specific bone through a range of motion; selecting a database including empirical mathematical descriptions of the motion of a plurality actual bones through ranges of motion; and comparing the motion of the patient specific bone to the database.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a noninvasive joint diagnostic system and methods for analyzing motion and diagnosing an enclosed joint condition. The system reconstructs patient-specific 3D bone models and registers each patient bone with a corresponding virtual 3D bone model. It non-invasively tracks motion of the plurality of patient bones through a range of joint motion.
The system selects a database comprising empirical mathematical descriptions of motion of a plurality of actual bones through a comparable range of joint motion, and compares the motion of the patient bones to the database. It also obtains vibration data and kinematics data while moving the enclosed joint through a range of motion. The kinematics data are correlated with the virtual 3D model of components of the enclosed joint to generate a virtual 3D dynamic model.
The invention analyzes vibration data and the virtual 3D dynamic model to diagnose at least one of the presence and severity of a joint degradation. In some implementations, the vibration data are analyzed using a neural network and can be used to diagnose presence and severity of joint degradation. The described workflows include real-time or recorded time-synchronized acquisition and module-level monitoring of kinematics and vibration.
Claims Coverage
The independent claims explicitly cover three core methods: motion analysis by registration, non-invasive tracking, and database comparison; non-invasive monitoring of an enclosed joint using inertial sensing with simultaneous kinematics and vibration data collection; and diagnosing an enclosed joint condition by building a virtual 3D dynamic model and analyzing vibration data with that model, optionally using a neural network.
Registering patient bones with a corresponding virtual 3D bone model
The method comprises registering each of a plurality of patient bones with a corresponding virtual 3D bone model.
Non-invasively tracking bone motion through a range of joint motion and comparing to an empirical mathematical motion database
The method comprises non-invasively tracking the motion of the plurality of patient bones through a range of joint motion, selecting a database comprising empirical mathematical descriptions of motion of a plurality of actual bones through a comparable range of joint motion, and comparing the motion of the plurality of patient bones to the database.
Non-invasively placing an inertial sensor approximate the enclosed joint and simultaneously gathering vibration data and kinematics data
The method comprises non-invasively placing an inertial sensor approximate the enclosed joint, gathering vibration data using the inertial sensor while moving the enclosed joint through a range of motion, and simultaneously with gathering the vibration data, gathering kinematics data pertaining to the enclosed joint.
Correlating kinematics data with a virtual 3D model to generate a virtual 3D dynamic model
The method comprises creating a virtual 3D model of components of the enclosed joint, obtaining vibration data and kinematics data while moving the enclosed joint through a range of motion, and correlating the kinematics data with the virtual 3D model of components of the enclosed joint to generate a virtual 3D dynamic model of components of the enclosed joint.
Analyzing vibration data and the virtual 3D dynamic model to diagnose joint degradation
The method analyzes the vibration data and the virtual 3D dynamic model to diagnose at least one of the presence and severity of a joint degradation.
Overall, the independent claims emphasize non-invasive motion monitoring and diagnosis by registering patient bones with virtual 3D bone models, comparing tracked motion to an empirical mathematical motion database, collecting synchronized vibration and kinematics data from an inertial sensor placed approximate an enclosed joint, and generating a virtual 3D dynamic model to diagnose joint degradation presence and severity.
Stated Advantages
Avoidance of X-ray fluoroscopy/radiation.
Documented Applications
Joint condition diagnosis and monitoring of an enclosed joint using noninvasive placement of an inertial sensor, collection of vibration and kinematics data, and diagnostic classification of joint degradation presence and severity.
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