Method and apparatus for positioning a forearm for imaging and analysis

Abstract

Disclosed is a method and apparatus for repeatably positioning a forearm at a plurality of angular positions for medical analysis. A forearm of a patient is positioned in a support channel within reach of a rotatable handle. The handle can be locked in a number of angular positions, providing a counteractive force as the handle is rotated. The patient rotates and applies a torque force to the handle at selected rotational angles. The forearm and wrist can be scanned in these locked position, and applied torque can be measured to evaluate joint stability.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCED TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. Ser. No. 10 / 142,331, filed May 9, 2002.STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT [0002] Not applicable. [0003] The present invention is related to positioning devices for medically examining joints, and more particularly to a medical positioning device for positioning the forearm and wrist for DRUJ analysis. BACKGROUND [0004] Abnormalities of the proximal and distal radioulnar joints (DRUJ) are commonly encountered in clinical practice in association with trauma or dislocation, synovial inflammatory diseases, or congenital abnormalities and may be associated with numerous conditions, including ulnar styloid fracture, Colles fracture, radial diaphyseal fracture, radial head fracture or excision, triangular fibrocartilage complex injury, and disproportionate radioulnar length. The diagnosis of DRUJ abnormalities is difficult, however, since limitations of conventional radiolog...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

Enables consistent and comparable imaging of both wrists and forearms, reducing radiation exposure and allowing for direct comparison, while simulating resisted rotation to assess joint instability effectively.

Problems solved by technology

The diagnosis of DRUJ abnormalities is difficult, however, since limitations of conventional radiologic imaging procedures make it difficult or impossible to radiographically confirm subluxation or dislocation of the DRUJ.

However, a number of problems have also been associated with attempts to diagnose abnormalities of the DRUJ using CT.

First, prior art evaluation protocols do not provide a means for positioning the right and left upper extremity in a consistent fashion.

Furthermore, when both forearms are not positioned in the same degree of rotation, it is not possible to compare a left and right wrist or forearm.

Additionally, even though most patients complain of their most severe symptoms while actively using their upper extremities, prior art methods do not provide a means for simulating or generating resisted rotation.

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