Surgery – Diagnostic testing – Measuring anatomical characteristic or force applied to or...
Patent
1999-01-28
2000-12-12
O'Connor, Cary
Surgery
Diagnostic testing
Measuring anatomical characteristic or force applied to or...
A61B 5103
Patent
active
061591688
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to orthopedic tables and, more particularly, to an anatomic torsion monitor for detecting myofascial musculoskeletal elasticity.
2. DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
It is well known that the human low back is highly susceptible to disfunction. Some estimates indicate that as much as 20 percent of the population at any one time experiences lower back pain. The annual cost in the United States of this common physical complaint in terms of lost or reduced productivity, and medical costs, is estimated at $100 Billion U.S. dollars yearly. Moreover, low back medical care is typified as having the least return to society for the effort and resources expended.
A common technique utilized by physicians to evaluate low back disfunction is a pelvic roll. In this technique, the physician's fingers contact the Posterior Superior Iliac Spines (PSIS) of a passive supine patient. An anterially directed force applied to one side of the PSIS produces a rotational torque on the lower back. The physician detecting how the PSIS lifts in relation to how much force is applied provides a relative indication of the ability of the lower back to rotate. Normal patients roll with ease from side to side. However, patients with low back dysfunctions roll with less then equal symmetry. Those with moderate to severe dysfunctions roll in one direction with ease while roll in the other direction is met with an abrupt and forceful restriction barrier. Occasionally, the pelvis rolls poorly in both directions. The pelvic roll is a reliable test of low back function since the patient is passive, supine and resting quietly which eliminates the contraction of weight bearing muscles.
The motion of the lumbar vertebrate during the pelvic roll is of particular interest because of facet orientation. Specifically, the bony architecture of the lumbar vertebrate have intervertebratal facets closely oriented to the sagittal plane. These facets function to direct and steer the discs. Movement in the sagittal and coronal planes is well tolerated, while rotation in the transverse plane is extremely limited. Clinically, rotation in the transverse plane is a very sensitive indicator of motion function and disfunction because of its very narrow range of motion arc.
The pelvic roll and other diagnostic techniques for low back problems are subjectively used by physicians in clinical practice. The difficulty in treating patients with low back problems often lies in the inability to make an objective analysis. For example, health care providers who practice manual manipulative medicine, claim to have the ability to make musculoskeletal assessment based on factors of quantity and quality. These practitioners are able to palpitate the body and formulate treatment based entirely on the diagnosis obtained by palpitation. Treatment may include manipulation, physical therapy, medicine, surgery or continued observation.
Of particular interest is the assessment of motion quality in terms of tissue response. This is more than a degree of range of motion. Tissue response is how the body reacts to energy transfer. It is the result of a given force supplied, maintained and withdrawn. Terms such as ease of motion and stiffness have been used to describe this dimension of palpitory diagnosis.
Studies have been conducted to define and quantify elasticity, stiffness and motion quality of the human body. These studies, however, have not been able to correlate the mechanical and clinical concepts of elasticity, stiffness and motion quality.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an anatomic torsion monitor that can provide a quantitative measurement of the myofascial-musculoskeletal elasticity. It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for detecting elasticity of muscles, ligaments and myofascial structure in a patient.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, we have invented an anatomic torsion apparatus which includes an examination table for positioning a patient so that the muscles asso
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Mertz James Allan
Warner Michael John
Cambria Medical Science, Inc.
O'Connor Cary
Wingood Pamela
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