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US4829549A
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Densitometer for scanning os calcis for predicting osteoporosis
Assignee: OSTEON INCORPORATED A CORP
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Filing: 1987-11-30
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Granted: 1989-05-09
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Expires: 2007-11-30
Abstract
Abstract The level of relative risk of osteoporosis in human subjects can be quickly determined by: measuring the bone mineral content of the os calcis (heel)--which is highly trabecular--and; assessing relative non-violent fracture risk at substantially all skeletal sites (both spinal and non-spinal) due to osteoporosis of the subject from the os calcis mineral content determination. The bone mineral content of a cortical bone site, such as the proximal radius (forearm), can also be determined. The densitometer apparatus includes a heel holding structure, or a forearm holding structure, which may be placed between a low energy source of gamma and/or x-rays, and a detector. The source and detector are mounted on a C-shaped yoke, which yoke can be moved horizontally and vertically during a rectilinear scan, and which can be rotated about a vertical axis when computed tomography (CT) capabilities are necessary.
Inventors
- 👤 John M. Vogel
- 👤 Philip J. Manly
- 👤 Richard D. Wasnich
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 23:38
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B6/00; A61B6/50; A61B6/505
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
235 words
A method for determining the relative level of risk of osteoporosis in a human subject comprising the steps of: (a) providing an os calcis scanning apparatus including a housing with means for holding a heel of the human subject in proper position during scanning; a source of low energy x-ray or gamma radiation; radiation detecting means; a scanning yoke disposed with the housing for mounting said source and said detecting means opposite each other with a volume therebetween sufficient to receive the holding means; means for moving said yoke vertically, horizontally and rotationally about a vertical axis within said housing; and computer control means for controlling movement of said yoke during scanning; (b) locating a bottom edge of the os calcis when the heel is properly positioned in the holding means; (c) moving the scanning yoke to a vertical and horizontal start position at a first row; (d) moving the scanning yoke horizontally to scan the row, with radiation passing between the source and the detector; (e) retracting the scanning yoke horizontally to the horizontal start position and indexing the scanning yoke vertically a predetermined distance to a second row; (f) repeating steps (d) and (e) until at least twelve rows are scanned; (h) determining a nine row average of the said at least twelve rows which gives the lowest bone mineral reading and indicating the risk of fracture of a bone of said subject.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
235 words
A method for determining the relative level of risk of osteoporosis in a human subject comprising the steps of: (a) providing an os calcis scanning apparatus including a housing with means for holding a heel of the human subject in proper position during scanning; a source of low energy x-ray or gamma radiation; radiation detecting means; a scanning yoke disposed with the housing for mounting said source and said detecting means opposite each other with a volume therebetween sufficient to receive the holding means; means for moving said yoke vertically, horizontally and rotationally about a vertical axis within said housing; and computer control means for controlling movement of said yoke during scanning; (b) locating a bottom edge of the os calcis when the heel is properly positioned in the holding means; (c) moving the scanning yoke to a vertical and horizontal start position at a first row; (d) moving the scanning yoke horizontally to scan the row, with radiation passing between the source and the detector; (e) retracting the scanning yoke horizontally to the horizontal start position and indexing the scanning yoke vertically a predetermined distance to a second row; (f) repeating steps (d) and (e) until at least twelve rows are scanned; (h) determining a nine row average of the said at least twelve rows which gives the lowest bone mineral reading and indicating the risk of fracture of a bone of said subject.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method as defined in claim 1 wherein, in step (d), the scanning yoke is moved horizontally about 10 centimeters.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
26 words
A method as defined in claim 1 wherein, in step (e), the scanning yoke is indexed vertically a distance of about three millimeters for each row.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
27 words
A method as defined in claim 1 and further including the step of rotating the scanning yoke about 10 degrees about a vertical axis during step (e).
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1992-05-08 | 1992-11-07 | 1993-05-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1996-05-08 | 1996-11-07 | 1997-05-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2000-05-08 | 2000-11-07 | 2001-05-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |