US20050096548A1 - Transducer mounting assembly - Google Patents

Transducer mounting assembly Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20050096548A1
US20050096548A1 US10/960,667 US96066704A US2005096548A1 US 20050096548 A1 US20050096548 A1 US 20050096548A1 US 96066704 A US96066704 A US 96066704A US 2005096548 A1 US2005096548 A1 US 2005096548A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
adjustable
transducer
leg
transducer holder
clamp
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US10/960,667
Inventor
Roger Talish
Kenneth Urgovich
Donald Krompasick
Anthony James
Wayne Rankhorn
Kevin Tanis
Robert Ludecker
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Exogen Inc
Original Assignee
Exogen Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Exogen Inc filed Critical Exogen Inc
Priority to US10/960,667 priority Critical patent/US20050096548A1/en
Publication of US20050096548A1 publication Critical patent/US20050096548A1/en
Assigned to EXOGEN, INC. reassignment EXOGEN, INC. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: URGOVITCH, KENNETH J., TALISH, ROGER J., KROMPASICK, DONALD E., LUDECKER, ROBERT SCOTT, TANIS, KEVIN, JAMES, ANTHONY, RANKHORN, WAYNE
Assigned to EXOGEN, INC. reassignment EXOGEN, INC. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: URGOVITCH, KENNETH J., TALISH, ROGER J., KROMPASICK, DONALD E., LUDECKER, ROBERT SCOTT, TANIS, KEVIN, JAMES, ANTHONY, RANKHORN, WAYNE
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B90/00Instruments, implements or accessories specially adapted for surgery or diagnosis and not covered by any of the groups A61B1/00 - A61B50/00, e.g. for luxation treatment or for protecting wound edges
    • A61B90/50Supports for surgical instruments, e.g. articulated arms
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B17/00Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
    • A61B17/56Surgical instruments or methods for treatment of bones or joints; Devices specially adapted therefor
    • A61B17/58Surgical instruments or methods for treatment of bones or joints; Devices specially adapted therefor for osteosynthesis, e.g. bone plates, screws, setting implements or the like
    • A61B17/60Surgical instruments or methods for treatment of bones or joints; Devices specially adapted therefor for osteosynthesis, e.g. bone plates, screws, setting implements or the like for external osteosynthesis, e.g. distractors, contractors
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61NELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
    • A61N7/00Ultrasound therapy

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an apparatus for adjustably mounting an ultrasonic transducer to an orthopedic appliance, wherein the transducer can be adjustably positioned in a manner appropriate for ultrasonic therapy.
  • Ultrasonic therapy generally involves placing an ultrasonic transducer, usually associated with a conductive gel or bladder, against or near the skin in the vicinity of the injury, and driving the transducer with a signal generator, so that the transducer delivers ultrasonic waves within a particular range of therapeutically effective frequencies for a period of time and for a sufficient number of applications to achieve effective results in accelerating healing. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,273,864; 6,190,336; 5,762,616; and 5,520,612, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference.
  • Ultrasonic therapy can be particularly useful in treating injuries, such as severe fractures or soft tissue injuries and the like, that require either support or immobilization of a joint or immobilization of bones relative to each other at a fracture site, using some form of orthopedic appliance.
  • ultrasonic treatment is often of great benefit in speeding healing by patients that have been discharged from the hospital and are convalescing.
  • the frequency of treatments and the difficulty patients often have with locomotion make home treatment desirable.
  • ultrasonic treatment is often self-administered by the patient following physician instruction in use of the device.
  • existing attachment techniques rely on patient compliance in accurately positioning the transducer. Because patients can be inconsistent in positioning the transducer, applying conductive gel to the proper location, etc., there exists a need in the art for a mechanism for adjustably mounting an ultrasonic transducer to an orthopedic appliance so that the transducer can consistently and reliably be brought into contact with the desired treatment site without interfering with or interference from the appliance.
  • the apparatus of the invention allows an ultrasonic transducer to be secured to an orthopedic appliance in an adjustable fashion, so that the transducer can be consistently and reliably moved into the proper position for treatment, without interference from or interfering with the elements of the orthopedic appliance, and then can be moved out of the way or removed during periods between treatments.
  • the invention relates to an apparatus for adjustably securing an ultrasonic transducer to an orthopedic appliance, having:
  • the configuration of the optional adjustable clamp may take various forms in order to allow the apparatus to be secured to a variety of orthopedic appliances.
  • the apparatus may take the form of one of several alternative embodiments, each of which allow attachment to one or more elements of existing orthopedic appliances, and allow the ultrasonic transducer to be adjustably and reliably positioned relative to the patient.
  • FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the apparatus of one embodiment of the invention secured to an element of an orthopedic appliance.
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view of two embodiments of the invention secured to an external ring fixator.
  • FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of the apparatus of one of the embodiments of the invention shown in FIG. 2 , secured to an external ring fixator.
  • FIG. 4 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a transducer holder according to the invention.
  • FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing two embodiments of the apparatus of the invention secured to an external ring fixator.
  • FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the apparatus of the invention.
  • FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 6 .
  • the apparatus of the invention is intended to be attachable to a variety of orthopedic appliances, ranging from external fixators, such as Ilizarov rings, unilateral fixators, or spatial frames (such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,030,386; 5,971,984; 5,891,143; 5,728,095; and 5,702,389, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference), to orthopedic braces and the like.
  • external fixators such as Ilizarov rings, unilateral fixators, or spatial frames (such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,030,386; 5,971,984; 5,891,143; 5,728,095; and 5,702,389, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference)
  • fixators such as Ilizarov rings, unilateral fixators, or spatial frames (such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,030,386; 5,971,984; 5,891,143; 5,728,095; and 5,702,389, the
  • the adjustable clamp may, in fact, be available or sold with the orthopedic appliance itself, and in that sense is optional.
  • a fixator clamp also known as a “Rancho cube” may be used to adjustably clamp the apparatus to the ring.
  • an adjustable clamping mechanism includes one or more hinges, which may be used to secure the device to various points on rods or other rigid elements of the orthopedic appliance, such as the rods of a ring fixator. These hinges may allow movement of the adjustable connector relative to the attachment point as the hinges rotate.
  • suitable clamps include bolts, screw clamps, spring clamps, standard laboratory clamps, and the like, whose position on the orthopedic appliance may be varied.
  • the transducer holder is adapted to attach the transducer to the device. It may be removable from the transducer, such as a cap into which the transducer may be inserted, or it may be permanently affixed to the transducer.
  • the transducer holder may be a threaded opening in or threaded stud mounted on a nonoperative surface of the transducer, with which a correspondingly threaded stud or threaded opening on or attached to the adjustable connector may be inserted.
  • Other arrangements include non-threaded openings/studs secured by set screws and the like, ball-and-socket joints affixed to a nonoperative transducer surface, and the like.
  • the adjustable connector provides, in effect, an adjustable link between the transducer holder and the adjustable clamp.
  • the connector may be adjustable in the sense that the attachment point of the adjustable clamp can be varied, or in the sense that the attachment point of the transducer holder may be varied, or in the sense that the connector itself contains moveable parts whose positioning can be adjusted, or in the sense that the connector allows the transducer and transducer holder to be removed when not in use, or any combination of these.
  • the connector allows for the position of the transducer holder, and thus of the transducer, to be varied relative to the adjustable clamp.
  • an adjustable connector is a plate, which may be substantially flat or which may be angled, having one or more slots for adjustable attachment of the adjustable clamp, the transducer holder, or both.
  • Another example is an articulating arm, attached through an adjustable bracket, a threaded stud/opening arrangement, or a ball-and-socket joint, to the transducer holder at one end, and bolted or clamped to an element of the orthopedic appliance at the other end.
  • This articulating arm may be made from a flexible articulated material having a plurality of joints, or may be made from a few rigid elements having swivel joints and lockable slide collars.
  • an adjustable connector includes a shaft secured to the transducer holder on one end and having an optional handle at the other end, which is disposed in a barrel assembly which allows the shaft to move within the barrel, and which barrel assembly contains a pin which can be adjustably secured by the clamp.
  • FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the invention wherein optional adjustable clamp contains hinge 10 , which is rotatably attached to an element of an orthopedic appliance 20 .
  • Hinge 10 is adjustable because it can rotate about the longitudinal axis of element 20 , and may optionally also be moveable along its length.
  • Hinge 10 can be adjustably secured to adjustable connector 30 by a fastener 40 , illustrated as a threaded bolt and nut combination.
  • the fastener 40 passes through hole 50 in hinge 10 , and then passes through slot 60 in first leg 70 of the adjustable connector 30 . This allows the location of the hinge 10 along the first leg 70 to be adjusted by sliding fastener 40 along slot 60 and tightening the fastener when the hinge 10 and adjustable connector 30 are in the appropriate relative position.
  • Transducer holder 80 comprises a plate affixed to transducer 90 and fastened to second leg 100 of adjustable connector 30 by a fastener 120 , which passes through hole 130 in plate 80 , and which also passes through slot 110 in second leg 100 .
  • the fastener illustrated is a bolt which is secured by a correspondingly threaded nut (not shown) after passing through slot 110 . It will be recognized that any fastener that can be tightened, loosened, and retightened securely will function to provide the desired adjustability in securing the transducer holder to the adjustable connector, and in securing the clamp to the adjustable connector.
  • adjustable connector 30 contains an opening 150 to accommodate a cable 140 powering the transducer 90
  • adjustable connector 30 is a rectangular, angled plate having two legs approximately perpendicular (oriented at about 90°) relative to each other. It will be recognized that other shapes and orientations may be used and still fall within the spirit and scope of the invention. For example plates that are circular or oval or have another geometrical shape, or that are angled at acute or obtuse angles, or that are substantially flat, could also be used in the invention.
  • FIG. 2 An example of an embodiment of the invention using a flat plate 230 as the adjustable connector between transducer holder 240 and clamp 210 is shown in FIG. 2 .
  • Clamp 210 as illustrated, secures the apparatus of the invention to an element of an external ring fixator.
  • the adjustable connector comprises a flexible arm 250 , which connects clamp 260 to transducer holder 280 .
  • flexible arm 250 is a multi-jointed flexible articulating arm. Suitable materials for such a flexible articulating arm include MEDIFLEX® (Flexbar Machine Corp.), Lockline flexible arm materials, or other flexible arm materials or “goosenecks.” It is generally desirable that these articulating arms be lockable, so that once oriented, their reorientation requires application of suitable force.
  • the articulating arm be such that additional articulating joints can be added to the arm or removed from the arm as needed, in order to adjust the length of the arm as necessary to treat a particular injury.
  • Suitable transducer holders for use in connection with this embodiment of the invention include a ball-and-socket joint affixed to the non-operative surface of the transducer (or to a cap into which the transducer can be inserted), and capable of attachment to, and articulation with, the flexible arm.
  • An alternative embodiment of transducer holder is shown in FIG. 4 , which shows a bracket 290 attached to flexible arm 250 and also attached to a transducer or cap for holding a transducer by suitable fastener 300 (e.g., a bolt, screw, or rivet).
  • the transducer-holder is capable of holding an EXOGEN 3000 brand transducer or a similar transducer.
  • a wingnut is used to clamp one end of the flexible arm to the ring of the fixator; it will be recognized that a hinged clamp, such as that shown in FIG. 1 , could also be used to clamp the articulating arm to a vertical rod of the fixator ring, or to a unilateral fixator or an orthopedic brace within the scope of the invention.
  • a no-hole clamp such as that shown in FIG. 5 , which does not rely on the presence of holes in the ring, or spring clamps, standard laboratory clamps, screw clamps, or other clamp mechanisms could be used to secure the apparatus to the orthopedic appliance.
  • FIG. 5 also illustrates an alternative configuration for the apparatus of the invention, wherein a clamp 260 is used to secure the apparatus to a ring of an external fixator, which may be any of the clamp mechanisms described above for use with a flexible articulating arm.
  • a clamp 260 is used to secure the apparatus to a ring of an external fixator, which may be any of the clamp mechanisms described above for use with a flexible articulating arm.
  • this configuration uses an articulating arm 310 having a first swivel joint 320 adapted to be secured by clamp 260 and attached to slide collar 330 .
  • Slide collar 330 can be adjustably positioned along rod 340 , which is attached to second swivel joint 350 , which is adapted to attach to transducer holder 280 , which may be a threaded stud adapted to be inserted into a correspondingly threaded opening on the nonoperative surface of the transducer, or of a cap into which the transducer may be inserted.
  • FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the apparatus of the invention
  • FIG. 7 provides an exploded perspective view of this embodiment.
  • Transducer holder 280 is a cap adapted to receive the transducer and hold it in place, either by press fitting or by means of a set screw, and to attach to adjustable connector 400 by shaft 410 .
  • Shaft 410 moves in barrel 420 , so that the position of transducer holder 280 relative to adjustable connector 400 can be varied.
  • Adjustable connector 400 also contains pin 430 , illustrated as extending orthogonally to barrel 420 , which is adapted to be received by a clamp. (not shown) and adjustably secured thereby.
  • pin 430 is sized and configured so as to be securable by a standard fixator or other clamp, such as a rancho cube, where it can be secured by a set screw at the desired level of the cube after being rotatably positioned.
  • the location of the cube on the orthopedic appliance can also be varied or adjusted, providing additional flexibility in use.
  • the pin can be threaded and screwed onto a ring of an external ring fixator using a wingnut or other fastener.
  • the pin may be threaded, but sized to fit a rancho cube, enabling the apparatus to be secured in a variety of ways to a variety of elements of the orthopedic appliance.
  • adjustable connector 400 may contain a biasing element 440 (illustrated as a coil spring disposed around the shaft 410 ) to urge the transducer holder away from the barrel and against the body of the patient.
  • Optional handle 450 is provided in the illustrated embodiment for ease of adjustment of the apparatus. If the shaft and barrel are threaded, turning the handle will move the threaded shaft relative to the barrel, and allow adjustment of the position of the transducer holder relative to the patient.
  • the transducer can be moved by pulling the shaft against the biasing force exerted by the biasing element and locking the shaft in this retracted position (engaging optional locking pin 460 with optional locking slot 470 , shown in FIG. 7 ) or by releasing the shaft when the transducer is appropriately positioned relative to the patient, so that the biasing element forces the transducer against the patient during treatment.
  • adjustable connector is optionally jointed at joint 480 ( FIG. 6 ) in order to allow pin 430 to remain positioned appropriately in the adjustable clamp, while the remainder of adjustable connector 400 is removed between treatments or for adjustment or repair.
  • This joint is illustrated as a male D-element (a male element having a D-shaped cross section) on the barrel side of the adjustable connector, which corresponds to a female D-element (a female element having a D-shaped cross section) on the pin side of the adjustable connector.
  • Retaining ball 500 holds the joint in place until the two sides of the adjustable connector are forced apart.
  • joint 480 can be eliminated from the apparatus, and that different joint configurations can be used, as long as they perform the function of removably attaching the transducer holder to the pin without allowing the joint to rotate, or the apparatus to rotate once it is secured in the clamp.
  • the invention also relates to a method of using the device described above.
  • the device, or a portion thereof, can be attached to an orthopedic appliance, typically to a rigid element of the orthopedic appliance, via the clamp.
  • the transducer can be attached to the transducer holder (if detachable) and the clamp, adjustable connector, and optionally the transducer holder adjusted to the appropriate orientation to deliver suitable ultrasound therapy.
  • the adjustability of the device allows the transducer to be consistently and reliably positioned at the appropriate location without interference from or with the orthopedic appliance.
  • Ultrasonic therapy can be delivered, and the device moved away from the treatment site and optionally detached (in some embodiments) from the appliance. Alternatively, the transducer can be removed from the device if desired

Abstract

The invention relates to an apparatus for adjustably securing an ultrasonic transducer to an orthopedic appliance, having: (a) an optional adjustable clamp adapted to adjustably secure the apparatus to an element of an orthopedic appliance; (b) a transducer holder adapted to secure the transducer to the apparatus; (c) an adjustable connector adapted to adjustably connect the optional adjustable clamp to the transducer holder.

Description

  • This application claims benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/242,994, filed Oct. 25, 2000, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
  • BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  • 1. Field of the Invention
  • The invention relates to an apparatus for adjustably mounting an ultrasonic transducer to an orthopedic appliance, wherein the transducer can be adjustably positioned in a manner appropriate for ultrasonic therapy.
  • 2. Description of Related Art
  • The use of ultrasound therapy for the acceleration of healing of bone injuries is known in the art. Similarly, the acceleration of healing of soft tissue injuries, particularly musculoskeletal tissues, by the application of ultrasound has also been described Ultrasonic therapy generally involves placing an ultrasonic transducer, usually associated with a conductive gel or bladder, against or near the skin in the vicinity of the injury, and driving the transducer with a signal generator, so that the transducer delivers ultrasonic waves within a particular range of therapeutically effective frequencies for a period of time and for a sufficient number of applications to achieve effective results in accelerating healing. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,273,864; 6,190,336; 5,762,616; and 5,520,612, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference.
  • Ultrasonic therapy can be particularly useful in treating injuries, such as severe fractures or soft tissue injuries and the like, that require either support or immobilization of a joint or immobilization of bones relative to each other at a fracture site, using some form of orthopedic appliance.
  • These types of injuries are often treated by the application of a brace, fixator, cage, or other orthopedic appliance to the site of the injury to immobilize the affected area or to limit the range of motion during healing, e.g., occurring after orthopedic surgery. Placement of ultrasonic transducer heads in positions most appropriate for accelerating healing may be impeded by elements of the orthopedic appliance when existing attachment techniques, such as straps or bandages, are used.
  • In addition, ultrasonic treatment is often of great benefit in speeding healing by patients that have been discharged from the hospital and are convalescing. The frequency of treatments and the difficulty patients often have with locomotion make home treatment desirable. As a result, ultrasonic treatment is often self-administered by the patient following physician instruction in use of the device. However, existing attachment techniques rely on patient compliance in accurately positioning the transducer. Because patients can be inconsistent in positioning the transducer, applying conductive gel to the proper location, etc., there exists a need in the art for a mechanism for adjustably mounting an ultrasonic transducer to an orthopedic appliance so that the transducer can consistently and reliably be brought into contact with the desired treatment site without interfering with or interference from the appliance.
  • SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
  • The apparatus of the invention allows an ultrasonic transducer to be secured to an orthopedic appliance in an adjustable fashion, so that the transducer can be consistently and reliably moved into the proper position for treatment, without interference from or interfering with the elements of the orthopedic appliance, and then can be moved out of the way or removed during periods between treatments.
  • In one embodiment, the invention relates to an apparatus for adjustably securing an ultrasonic transducer to an orthopedic appliance, having:
      • (a) an optional adjustable clamp adapted to adjustably secure the apparatus to an element of an orthopedic appliance;
      • (b) a transducer holder adapted to secure the transducer to the apparatus;
      • (c) an adjustable connector adapted to adjustably connect the optional adjustable clamp to the transducer holder.
  • The configuration of the optional adjustable clamp may take various forms in order to allow the apparatus to be secured to a variety of orthopedic appliances.
  • As described in more detail below, the apparatus may take the form of one of several alternative embodiments, each of which allow attachment to one or more elements of existing orthopedic appliances, and allow the ultrasonic transducer to be adjustably and reliably positioned relative to the patient.
  • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
  • FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the apparatus of one embodiment of the invention secured to an element of an orthopedic appliance.
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view of two embodiments of the invention secured to an external ring fixator.
  • FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of the apparatus of one of the embodiments of the invention shown in FIG. 2, secured to an external ring fixator.
  • FIG. 4 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a transducer holder according to the invention.
  • FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing two embodiments of the apparatus of the invention secured to an external ring fixator.
  • FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the apparatus of the invention.
  • FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 6.
  • DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS
  • The apparatus of the invention is intended to be attachable to a variety of orthopedic appliances, ranging from external fixators, such as Ilizarov rings, unilateral fixators, or spatial frames (such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,030,386; 5,971,984; 5,891,143; 5,728,095; and 5,702,389, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference), to orthopedic braces and the like. As a result, the particular configuration of the adjustable clamp may be substantially variable. It may be adjustable in the sense that it can be attached to the orthopedic appliance in a variety of locations or positions, or in the sense that the clamp allows movement relative to the element of the orthopedic element to which it is attached, or in the sense that the attachment point of the clamp to the adjustable connector can be varied, or some combination thereof. The adjustable clamp may, in fact, be available or sold with the orthopedic appliance itself, and in that sense is optional.
  • As an example, when the apparatus of the invention is to be affixed to the ring of an external ring fixator, a fixator clamp, also known as a “Rancho cube,” may be used to adjustably clamp the apparatus to the ring. Another example of an adjustable clamping mechanism includes one or more hinges, which may be used to secure the device to various points on rods or other rigid elements of the orthopedic appliance, such as the rods of a ring fixator. These hinges may allow movement of the adjustable connector relative to the attachment point as the hinges rotate. Other examples of suitable clamps include bolts, screw clamps, spring clamps, standard laboratory clamps, and the like, whose position on the orthopedic appliance may be varied.
  • The transducer holder is adapted to attach the transducer to the device. It may be removable from the transducer, such as a cap into which the transducer may be inserted, or it may be permanently affixed to the transducer. The transducer holder may be a threaded opening in or threaded stud mounted on a nonoperative surface of the transducer, with which a correspondingly threaded stud or threaded opening on or attached to the adjustable connector may be inserted. Other arrangements include non-threaded openings/studs secured by set screws and the like, ball-and-socket joints affixed to a nonoperative transducer surface, and the like.
  • The adjustable connector provides, in effect, an adjustable link between the transducer holder and the adjustable clamp. The connector may be adjustable in the sense that the attachment point of the adjustable clamp can be varied, or in the sense that the attachment point of the transducer holder may be varied, or in the sense that the connector itself contains moveable parts whose positioning can be adjusted, or in the sense that the connector allows the transducer and transducer holder to be removed when not in use, or any combination of these. In any event, the connector allows for the position of the transducer holder, and thus of the transducer, to be varied relative to the adjustable clamp.
  • One example of an adjustable connector is a plate, which may be substantially flat or which may be angled, having one or more slots for adjustable attachment of the adjustable clamp, the transducer holder, or both. Another example is an articulating arm, attached through an adjustable bracket, a threaded stud/opening arrangement, or a ball-and-socket joint, to the transducer holder at one end, and bolted or clamped to an element of the orthopedic appliance at the other end. This articulating arm may be made from a flexible articulated material having a plurality of joints, or may be made from a few rigid elements having swivel joints and lockable slide collars. Another example of an adjustable connector includes a shaft secured to the transducer holder on one end and having an optional handle at the other end, which is disposed in a barrel assembly which allows the shaft to move within the barrel, and which barrel assembly contains a pin which can be adjustably secured by the clamp.
  • The invention will be further described by reference to certain of its specific embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. This description and the drawings are not intended to be limitative of the appended claims.
  • FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the invention wherein optional adjustable clamp contains hinge 10, which is rotatably attached to an element of an orthopedic appliance 20. Hinge 10 is adjustable because it can rotate about the longitudinal axis of element 20, and may optionally also be moveable along its length. Hinge 10 can be adjustably secured to adjustable connector 30 by a fastener 40, illustrated as a threaded bolt and nut combination. The fastener 40 passes through hole 50 in hinge 10, and then passes through slot 60 in first leg 70 of the adjustable connector 30. This allows the location of the hinge 10 along the first leg 70 to be adjusted by sliding fastener 40 along slot 60 and tightening the fastener when the hinge 10 and adjustable connector 30 are in the appropriate relative position.
  • Transducer holder 80 comprises a plate affixed to transducer 90 and fastened to second leg 100 of adjustable connector 30 by a fastener 120, which passes through hole 130 in plate 80, and which also passes through slot 110 in second leg 100. The fastener illustrated is a bolt which is secured by a correspondingly threaded nut (not shown) after passing through slot 110. It will be recognized that any fastener that can be tightened, loosened, and retightened securely will function to provide the desired adjustability in securing the transducer holder to the adjustable connector, and in securing the clamp to the adjustable connector. As illustrated, adjustable connector 30 contains an opening 150 to accommodate a cable 140 powering the transducer 90 As illustrated, adjustable connector 30 is a rectangular, angled plate having two legs approximately perpendicular (oriented at about 90°) relative to each other. It will be recognized that other shapes and orientations may be used and still fall within the spirit and scope of the invention. For example plates that are circular or oval or have another geometrical shape, or that are angled at acute or obtuse angles, or that are substantially flat, could also be used in the invention.
  • An example of an embodiment of the invention using a flat plate 230 as the adjustable connector between transducer holder 240 and clamp 210 is shown in FIG. 2. Clamp 210, as illustrated, secures the apparatus of the invention to an element of an external ring fixator.
  • Also illustrated in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, and shown secured to a ring 270 of an external ring fixator, is another embodiment of the apparatus of the invention wherein the adjustable connector comprises a flexible arm 250, which connects clamp 260 to transducer holder 280. As illustrated, flexible arm 250 is a multi-jointed flexible articulating arm. Suitable materials for such a flexible articulating arm include MEDIFLEX® (Flexbar Machine Corp.), Lockline flexible arm materials, or other flexible arm materials or “goosenecks.” It is generally desirable that these articulating arms be lockable, so that once oriented, their reorientation requires application of suitable force. This allows for adjustability but also helps to prevent the arms from being inadvertently knocked out of position during treatment It is also desirable that the articulating arm be such that additional articulating joints can be added to the arm or removed from the arm as needed, in order to adjust the length of the arm as necessary to treat a particular injury.
  • Suitable transducer holders for use in connection with this embodiment of the invention include a ball-and-socket joint affixed to the non-operative surface of the transducer (or to a cap into which the transducer can be inserted), and capable of attachment to, and articulation with, the flexible arm. An alternative embodiment of transducer holder is shown in FIG. 4, which shows a bracket 290 attached to flexible arm 250 and also attached to a transducer or cap for holding a transducer by suitable fastener 300 (e.g., a bolt, screw, or rivet). Desirably, the transducer-holder is capable of holding an EXOGEN 3000 brand transducer or a similar transducer.
  • As illustrated in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, a wingnut is used to clamp one end of the flexible arm to the ring of the fixator; it will be recognized that a hinged clamp, such as that shown in FIG. 1, could also be used to clamp the articulating arm to a vertical rod of the fixator ring, or to a unilateral fixator or an orthopedic brace within the scope of the invention. Alternatively, a no-hole clamp, such as that shown in FIG. 5, which does not rely on the presence of holes in the ring, or spring clamps, standard laboratory clamps, screw clamps, or other clamp mechanisms could be used to secure the apparatus to the orthopedic appliance.
  • FIG. 5 also illustrates an alternative configuration for the apparatus of the invention, wherein a clamp 260 is used to secure the apparatus to a ring of an external fixator, which may be any of the clamp mechanisms described above for use with a flexible articulating arm. Instead of the multi-jointed flexible articulating arm described above, this configuration uses an articulating arm 310 having a first swivel joint 320 adapted to be secured by clamp 260 and attached to slide collar 330. Slide collar 330 can be adjustably positioned along rod 340, which is attached to second swivel joint 350, which is adapted to attach to transducer holder 280, which may be a threaded stud adapted to be inserted into a correspondingly threaded opening on the nonoperative surface of the transducer, or of a cap into which the transducer may be inserted.
  • FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the apparatus of the invention, and FIG. 7 provides an exploded perspective view of this embodiment. Transducer holder 280 is a cap adapted to receive the transducer and hold it in place, either by press fitting or by means of a set screw, and to attach to adjustable connector 400 by shaft 410. Shaft 410 moves in barrel 420, so that the position of transducer holder 280 relative to adjustable connector 400 can be varied. Adjustable connector 400 also contains pin 430, illustrated as extending orthogonally to barrel 420, which is adapted to be received by a clamp. (not shown) and adjustably secured thereby. Desirably, pin 430 is sized and configured so as to be securable by a standard fixator or other clamp, such as a rancho cube, where it can be secured by a set screw at the desired level of the cube after being rotatably positioned. The location of the cube on the orthopedic appliance can also be varied or adjusted, providing additional flexibility in use. Alternatively, the pin can be threaded and screwed onto a ring of an external ring fixator using a wingnut or other fastener. Most desirably, the pin may be threaded, but sized to fit a rancho cube, enabling the apparatus to be secured in a variety of ways to a variety of elements of the orthopedic appliance.
  • In addition, shaft 410 and barrel 420 may be correspondingly threaded, so that the position of shaft 410 in barrel 420 may be adjusted by rotating shaft 410 relative to barrel 420. Alternatively, as illustrated, adjustable connector 400 may contain a biasing element 440 (illustrated as a coil spring disposed around the shaft 410) to urge the transducer holder away from the barrel and against the body of the patient. Optional handle 450 is provided in the illustrated embodiment for ease of adjustment of the apparatus. If the shaft and barrel are threaded, turning the handle will move the threaded shaft relative to the barrel, and allow adjustment of the position of the transducer holder relative to the patient. If a biasing element is present, the transducer can be moved by pulling the shaft against the biasing force exerted by the biasing element and locking the shaft in this retracted position (engaging optional locking pin 460 with optional locking slot 470, shown in FIG. 7) or by releasing the shaft when the transducer is appropriately positioned relative to the patient, so that the biasing element forces the transducer against the patient during treatment.
  • As illustrated, adjustable connector is optionally jointed at joint 480 (FIG. 6) in order to allow pin 430 to remain positioned appropriately in the adjustable clamp, while the remainder of adjustable connector 400 is removed between treatments or for adjustment or repair. This joint is illustrated as a male D-element (a male element having a D-shaped cross section) on the barrel side of the adjustable connector, which corresponds to a female D-element (a female element having a D-shaped cross section) on the pin side of the adjustable connector. Retaining ball 500 holds the joint in place until the two sides of the adjustable connector are forced apart. It will be recognized that, if this removability feature is not desired or necessary, joint 480 can be eliminated from the apparatus, and that different joint configurations can be used, as long as they perform the function of removably attaching the transducer holder to the pin without allowing the joint to rotate, or the apparatus to rotate once it is secured in the clamp.
  • The invention also relates to a method of using the device described above. The device, or a portion thereof, can be attached to an orthopedic appliance, typically to a rigid element of the orthopedic appliance, via the clamp. The transducer can be attached to the transducer holder (if detachable) and the clamp, adjustable connector, and optionally the transducer holder adjusted to the appropriate orientation to deliver suitable ultrasound therapy. The adjustability of the device allows the transducer to be consistently and reliably positioned at the appropriate location without interference from or with the orthopedic appliance. Ultrasonic therapy can be delivered, and the device moved away from the treatment site and optionally detached (in some embodiments) from the appliance. Alternatively, the transducer can be removed from the device if desired

Claims (23)

1. An apparatus for adjustably securing an ultrasonic transducer to an orthopedic appliance, comprising:
(a) an adjustable clamp adapted to adjustably secure the apparatus to an element of an orthopedic appliance;
(b) a transducer holder adapted to secure the transducer to the apparatus;
(c) an adjustable connector adapted to adjustably connect the adjustable clamp to the transducer holder, wherein the adjustable connector comprises a first leg adapted to mount to the adjustable clamp and second leg adapted to mount to the transducer holder.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the transducer holder is adjustable.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the adjustable clamp comprises one or more hinge elements adapted to be rotatably disposed on a rigid element of an orthopedic appliance.
4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the hinge elements are adapted to be moved along a longitudinal axis of the rigid element.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the transducer holder comprises a plate adapted to receive an ultrasonic transducer and mountable on the adjustable connector.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the adjustable connector comprises an angled plate having a first leg and a second leg disposed at an angle to the first leg, wherein the first leg is adapted to be mounted by the adjustable clamp, wherein the second leg is adapted to be mounted by the transducer holder, and wherein either or both of said legs are adjustably mountable.
7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the first leg comprises at least one slot adapted to receive an adjustable fastener connecting the adjustable clamp to the first leg.
8. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the second leg comprises at least one slot adapted to receive an adjustable fastener connecting the transducer holder to the second leg.
9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein:
the adjustable clamp comprises one or more hinge elements adapted to be rotatably disposed on a rigid element of an orthopedic appliance and adapted to be moved along a longitudinal axis of the rigid element;
the transducer holder comprises a plate adapted to receive an ultrasonic transducer and mountable on the adjustable connector; and
the adjustable connector comprises an angled plate, wherein the first leg is disposed at an angle to the second leg, and wherein either or both of said legs are adjustably mountable.
10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the adjustable connector comprises an articulating arm extending between the clamp and the transducer holder.
11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the transducer holder comprises a ball-and-socket joint affixed to a surface of the transducer.
12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the transducer holder comprises a bracket affixed to one surface of the transducer and attached to the articulating arm.
13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the transducer holder comprises a cap adapted to receive and retain the ultrasonic transducer, and the adjustable connector comprises a shaft extending from a surface of the cap and a barrel adapted to receive the shaft.
14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the shaft is adjustable relative to the barrel.
15. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the adjustable connector further comprises an adjustment handle disposed on the shaft.
16. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the adjustable connector further comprises a pin extending from the connector at an angle relative to the barrel, wherein the pin is adapted to be adjustably received by the adjustable clamp.
17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the angle is around 90°.
18. The apparatus of claim 13, further comprising a biasing element adapted to urge the transducer holder away from the adjustable connector.
19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the biasing element is a coil spring.
20. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein:
the transducer holder comprises a cap adapted to receive and retain the ultrasonic transducer; and
the adjustable connector comprises a shaft extending from a surface of the cap and adapted to cooperate with a barrel adapted to receive the shaft, and a pin extending from the connector at an angle of around 90° relative to the barrel, wherein the pin is adapted to be adjustably received by the adjustable clamp.
21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the adjustable connector comprises a first portion attached to the pin, and a second portion, detachable from the first portion, attached to the transducer holder.
22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the first and second portions are connected by a nonrotatable joint.
23. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein one of the first and second portions contains a male element of D-shaped cross section and the other portion contains a corresponding female element of D-shaped cross section.
US10/960,667 2000-10-25 2004-10-07 Transducer mounting assembly Abandoned US20050096548A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US10/960,667 US20050096548A1 (en) 2000-10-25 2004-10-07 Transducer mounting assembly

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US24299400P 2000-10-25 2000-10-25
US10/029,095 US6932308B2 (en) 2000-10-25 2001-10-25 Transducer mounting assembly
US10/960,667 US20050096548A1 (en) 2000-10-25 2004-10-07 Transducer mounting assembly

Related Parent Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US10/029,095 Continuation US6932308B2 (en) 2000-10-25 2001-10-25 Transducer mounting assembly

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20050096548A1 true US20050096548A1 (en) 2005-05-05

Family

ID=22916927

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US10/029,095 Expired - Fee Related US6932308B2 (en) 2000-10-25 2001-10-25 Transducer mounting assembly
US10/960,667 Abandoned US20050096548A1 (en) 2000-10-25 2004-10-07 Transducer mounting assembly

Family Applications Before (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US10/029,095 Expired - Fee Related US6932308B2 (en) 2000-10-25 2001-10-25 Transducer mounting assembly

Country Status (8)

Country Link
US (2) US6932308B2 (en)
EP (1) EP1331894B1 (en)
JP (1) JP4126228B2 (en)
AT (1) ATE489909T1 (en)
AU (2) AU3267902A (en)
CA (1) CA2426903C (en)
DE (1) DE60143585D1 (en)
WO (1) WO2002040099A2 (en)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20070213747A1 (en) * 2006-03-09 2007-09-13 Leonid Monassevitch Surgical compression clips
US8123707B2 (en) 1997-02-06 2012-02-28 Exogen, Inc. Method and apparatus for connective tissue treatment

Families Citing this family (24)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20040243002A1 (en) * 2002-01-18 2004-12-02 Toshitaka Nakamura Method of treating osteochondritis and apparatus for treating osteochondritis
JP4874970B2 (en) 2004-06-07 2012-02-15 ジンテス ゲゼルシャフト ミット ベシュレンクテル ハフツング Orthopedic implant with sensor
US20060284001A1 (en) * 2005-06-16 2006-12-21 Design For Living, L.L.C. Roll holder and dispenser for paper products
US10219815B2 (en) 2005-09-22 2019-03-05 The Regents Of The University Of Michigan Histotripsy for thrombolysis
US20070129634A1 (en) * 2005-10-17 2007-06-07 Hickey Katherine M Biomedical positioning and stabilization system
US20080051685A1 (en) * 2006-08-24 2008-02-28 Benenati Vincent A External fixator linkage
GB0703249D0 (en) * 2007-02-20 2007-03-28 Sra Dev Ltd Removal of spinal prostheses
US9289302B2 (en) * 2008-07-28 2016-03-22 Zimmer, Inc. Mosaicplasty constructs
US8419640B1 (en) * 2008-08-21 2013-04-16 Subrata Saha Removal of bone cement and implants by ultrasonic vibration methods
WO2010059371A2 (en) * 2008-10-30 2010-05-27 Smith & Nephew, Inc. Apparatus and method for ultrasonic spine treatment
US20130310628A1 (en) * 2012-05-15 2013-11-21 Ernest C. Chisena Orthopaedic device and method of use for treating bone fractures
US10792181B2 (en) 2012-05-15 2020-10-06 Ernest C. Chisena Orthopaedic device and method of use for treating bone fractures
US11432900B2 (en) 2013-07-03 2022-09-06 Histosonics, Inc. Articulating arm limiter for cavitational ultrasound therapy system
WO2015027164A1 (en) 2013-08-22 2015-02-26 The Regents Of The University Of Michigan Histotripsy using very short ultrasound pulses
WO2016187305A1 (en) 2015-05-18 2016-11-24 Little Engine, LLC Method and apparatus for extraction of medical implants
ES2948135T3 (en) 2015-06-24 2023-08-31 Univ Michigan Regents Histotripsy therapy systems for the treatment of brain tissue
DE102015121355A1 (en) * 2015-12-08 2017-06-08 Weber Instrumente Gmbh & Co. Kg Bone treatment device
DE102015121357A1 (en) * 2015-12-08 2017-06-08 Weber Instrumente Gmbh & Co. Kg Bone treatment device
US10493349B2 (en) 2016-03-18 2019-12-03 Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. Display on exercise device
US10625137B2 (en) 2016-03-18 2020-04-21 Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. Coordinated displays in an exercise device
US10625114B2 (en) 2016-11-01 2020-04-21 Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. Elliptical and stationary bicycle apparatus including row functionality
TWI638159B (en) * 2017-08-02 2018-10-11 南臺學校財團法人南臺科技大學 Ultrasonic probe fixator
WO2020113083A1 (en) 2018-11-28 2020-06-04 Histosonics, Inc. Histotripsy systems and methods
AU2021213168A1 (en) 2020-01-28 2022-09-01 The Regents Of The University Of Michigan Systems and methods for histotripsy immunosensitization

Citations (98)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US16557A (en) * 1857-02-03 Method of joining boxes
US34959A (en) * 1862-04-15 Improvement in stoves
US2920853A (en) * 1957-11-18 1960-01-12 Bufogle John Guide for the ball float of flush tanks
US3117571A (en) * 1957-02-28 1964-01-14 Univ Illinois Production of reversible changes in living tissue by ultrasound
US3241375A (en) * 1961-04-03 1966-03-22 Cons Electrodynamics Corp Transducer
US3304036A (en) * 1965-07-19 1967-02-14 Claude R Davis Golf cart umbrella mounting attachment
US3310049A (en) * 1963-09-17 1967-03-21 Air Shields Ultrasonic cardiac volume measurements
US3433663A (en) * 1964-05-04 1969-03-18 Union Carbide Corp Impregnated porous paper webs and method of obtaining same
US3499437A (en) * 1967-03-10 1970-03-10 Ultrasonic Systems Method and apparatus for treatment of organic structures and systems thereof with ultrasonic energy
US3575050A (en) * 1968-12-04 1971-04-13 Panametrics Fluid flowmeter
US3714619A (en) * 1971-09-15 1973-01-30 Gehring Kg Maschf Universal transducer mounting bracket and assembly
US3729162A (en) * 1971-03-05 1973-04-24 F Salvato Transom transducer mounting bracket
US4141524A (en) * 1977-02-28 1979-02-27 Corvese Jr Louis Tube holder for immobile patients
US4195517A (en) * 1978-12-18 1980-04-01 The Foxboro Company Ultrasonic flowmeter
US4312536A (en) * 1980-06-05 1982-01-26 Lo-Rich Enterprises, Inc. Dunk seat
US4315503A (en) * 1976-11-17 1982-02-16 Electro-Biology, Inc. Modification of the growth, repair and maintenance behavior of living tissues and cells by a specific and selective change in electrical environment
US4315514A (en) * 1980-05-08 1982-02-16 William Drewes Method and apparatus for selective cell destruction
US4431038A (en) * 1981-03-05 1984-02-14 Rome Philip L Actuating holder for combined electric eraser-pencil sharpeners
US4440025A (en) * 1980-06-27 1984-04-03 Matsushita Electric Industrial Company, Limited Arc scan transducer array having a diverging lens
US4441486A (en) * 1981-10-27 1984-04-10 Board Of Trustees Of Leland Stanford Jr. University Hyperthermia system
US4511921A (en) * 1982-06-16 1985-04-16 Rca Corporation Television receiver with manual and selectively disabled automatic picture control
US4570640A (en) * 1981-08-06 1986-02-18 Barsa John E Sensory monitoring apparatus and method
US4570927A (en) * 1983-12-15 1986-02-18 Wright State University Therapeutic device
US4570487A (en) * 1980-04-21 1986-02-18 Southwest Research Institute Multibeam satellite-pulse observation technique for characterizing cracks in bimetallic coarse-grained component
US4573996A (en) * 1984-01-03 1986-03-04 Jonergin, Inc. Device for the administration of an active agent to the skin or mucosa
US4644942A (en) * 1981-07-27 1987-02-24 Battelle Development Corporation Production of porous coating on a prosthesis
US4646725A (en) * 1983-11-16 1987-03-03 Manoutchehr Moasser Method for treating herpes lesions and other infectious skin conditions
US4657543A (en) * 1984-07-23 1987-04-14 Massachusetts Institute Of Technology Ultrasonically modulated polymeric devices for delivering compositions
US4725272A (en) * 1981-06-29 1988-02-16 Alza Corporation Novel bandage for administering beneficial drug
US4726099A (en) * 1986-09-17 1988-02-23 American Cyanamid Company Method of making piezoelectric composites
US4802477A (en) * 1987-05-07 1989-02-07 Shlomo Gabbay Sternum closure device
US4891849A (en) * 1986-10-20 1990-01-09 Robinson Harry W Hydrotherapy patient support apparatus
US4905671A (en) * 1988-01-11 1990-03-06 Dornier Medizintechnik Gmbh Inducement of bone growth by acoustic shock waves
US4913157A (en) * 1986-06-03 1990-04-03 Analog Devices, Inc. Ultrasound method and apparatus for evaluating, in vivo, bone conditions
US4917092A (en) * 1988-07-13 1990-04-17 Medical Designs, Inc. Transcutaneous nerve stimulator for treatment of sympathetic nerve dysfunction
US4917376A (en) * 1988-05-10 1990-04-17 Lo Peter K Exercise bicycle for exercising arms and legs
US4982730A (en) * 1988-12-21 1991-01-08 Lewis Jr Royce C Ultrasonic wound cleaning method and apparatus
US4984462A (en) * 1989-05-30 1991-01-15 Meditor Corporation Detachable liquid level monitoring apparatus and method
US4986275A (en) * 1987-08-05 1991-01-22 Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba Ultrasonic therapy apparatus
US4993413A (en) * 1988-09-22 1991-02-19 The Research Foundation Of State University Of New York Method and apparatus for inducing a current and voltage in living tissue
US4995883A (en) * 1989-02-08 1991-02-26 Smith & Nephew Richards Inc. Modular hip prosthesis
US5000442A (en) * 1990-02-20 1991-03-19 Proform Fitness Products, Inc. Cross country ski exerciser
US5000183A (en) * 1988-09-30 1991-03-19 U.S. Philips Corporation Device for processing an echographic signal
US5004476A (en) * 1989-10-31 1991-04-02 Tulane University Porous coated total hip replacement system
US5003965A (en) * 1988-09-14 1991-04-02 Meditron Corporation Medical device for ultrasonic treatment of living tissue and/or cells
US5080672A (en) * 1988-11-03 1992-01-14 John Bellis Method of applying a fully alloyed porous metallic coating to a surface of a metallic prosthesis component and product produced thereby
US5088976A (en) * 1988-03-23 1992-02-18 Life Resonances, Inc. Deformable magnetic field aiding coils for use in controlling tissue growth
US5099702A (en) * 1988-12-30 1992-03-31 French Sportech Corp. Perimeter mounted polymeric piezoelectric transducer pad
US5100373A (en) * 1989-01-09 1992-03-31 Life Resonances, Inc. Techniques for controlling osteoporosis using non-invasive magnetic fields
US5103806A (en) * 1990-07-31 1992-04-14 The Research Foundation Of State University Of New York Method for the promotion of growth, ingrowth and healing of bone tissue and the prevention of osteopenia by mechanical loading of the bone tissue
US5106361A (en) * 1988-03-23 1992-04-21 Life Resonances, Inc. Method and apparatus for controlling the growth of non-osseous non-cartilaginous solid connective tissue
US5107853A (en) * 1991-01-07 1992-04-28 Daniels Manufacturing Corporation Apparatus for determining suceptibility to carpal tunnel syndrome
US5108452A (en) * 1989-02-08 1992-04-28 Smith & Nephew Richards Inc. Modular hip prosthesis
US5178134A (en) * 1988-03-30 1993-01-12 Malmros Holding, Inc. Ultrasonic treatment of animals
US5181512A (en) * 1989-12-18 1993-01-26 Dornier Medizintechnik Gmbh Lithotripter including a holding device for an ultrasound locating transducer
US5184605A (en) * 1991-01-31 1993-02-09 Excel Tech Ltd. Therapeutic ultrasound generator with radiation dose control
US5186162A (en) * 1988-09-14 1993-02-16 Interpore Orthopaedics, Inc. Ultrasonic transducer device for treatment of living tissue and/or cells
US5191880A (en) * 1990-07-31 1993-03-09 Mcleod Kenneth J Method for the promotion of growth, ingrowth and healing of bone tissue and the prevention of osteopenia by mechanical loading of the bone tissue
US5197475A (en) * 1988-08-10 1993-03-30 The Board Of Regents, The University Of Texas System Method and apparatus for analyzing material properties using ultrasound
US5201766A (en) * 1985-09-11 1993-04-13 Smith & Nephew Richards Inc. Prosthetic device with porous matrix and method of manufacture
US5280728A (en) * 1990-11-05 1994-01-25 Tokimec Inc. Ultrasonic flow velocity measurement method and apparatus thereof
US5284143A (en) * 1991-06-13 1994-02-08 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Apparatus for treating bone pathologies with acoustic energy
US5285788A (en) * 1992-10-16 1994-02-15 Acuson Corporation Ultrasonic tissue imaging method and apparatus with doppler velocity and acceleration processing
US5295931A (en) * 1992-09-04 1994-03-22 Nordictrack, Inc. Rowing machine exercise apparatus
US5301683A (en) * 1991-12-23 1994-04-12 Durkan John A Diagnosing carpal tunnel syndrome
US5380269A (en) * 1991-08-26 1995-01-10 Urso; Charles L. Back treatment device
US5386830A (en) * 1993-10-25 1995-02-07 Advanced Technology Laboratories, Inc. Ultrasonic pulsed doppler flow measurement system with two dimensional autocorrelation processing
US5393296A (en) * 1992-12-09 1995-02-28 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Method for the medical treatment of pathologic bone
US5394877A (en) * 1993-04-01 1995-03-07 Axon Medical, Inc. Ultrasound medical diagnostic device having a coupling medium providing self-adherence to a patient
US5394878A (en) * 1993-07-13 1995-03-07 Frazin; Leon J. Method for two dimensional real time color doppler ultrasound imaging of bodily structures through the gastro intestinal wall
US5398290A (en) * 1993-05-03 1995-03-14 Kansas State University Research Foundation System for measurement of intramuscular fat in cattle
US5400795A (en) * 1993-10-22 1995-03-28 Telectronics Pacing Systems, Inc. Method of classifying heart rhythms by analyzing several morphology defining metrics derived for a patient's QRS complex
US5484388A (en) * 1993-07-02 1996-01-16 Osteo-Dyne, Inc. Method and device for treating bone disorders by applying preload and repetitive impacts
US5492525A (en) * 1991-06-06 1996-02-20 Gibney; Joel Exercise device for treating carpal tunnel syndrome
US5495846A (en) * 1992-02-12 1996-03-05 Ge Yokogawa Medical Systems, Limited Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus
US5496256A (en) * 1994-06-09 1996-03-05 Sonex International Corporation Ultrasonic bone healing device for dental application
US5501657A (en) * 1995-01-30 1996-03-26 Feero; Andrew A. Method of alleviating carpal tunnel syndrome
US5706818A (en) * 1995-10-13 1998-01-13 Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. Ultrasonic diagnosing apparatus
US5708236A (en) * 1995-06-28 1998-01-13 Enlight Corporation Weighing scale with cantilever beam for transmitting force to a strain gauge
US5721400A (en) * 1994-03-24 1998-02-24 Eks International Ab Scale with lever mechanism and method for mounting components
US5725482A (en) * 1996-02-09 1998-03-10 Bishop; Richard P. Method for applying high-intensity ultrasonic waves to a target volume within a human or animal body
US5728095A (en) * 1995-03-01 1998-03-17 Smith & Nephew, Inc. Method of using an orthopaedic fixation device
US5730705A (en) * 1995-06-12 1998-03-24 Talish; Roger J. Ultrasonic treatment for bony ingrowth
US5868649A (en) * 1996-02-09 1999-02-09 Hydrosplash Enterprises, Inc. Aquatic exercise device
US5871446A (en) * 1992-01-10 1999-02-16 Wilk; Peter J. Ultrasonic medical system and associated method
US5886302A (en) * 1995-02-08 1999-03-23 Measurement Specialties, Inc. Electrical weighing scale
US6019710A (en) * 1998-01-06 2000-02-01 Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. Exercising device with elliptical movement
US6022349A (en) * 1997-02-12 2000-02-08 Exogen, Inc. Method and system for therapeutically treating bone fractures and osteoporosis
US6028088A (en) * 1998-10-30 2000-02-22 The University Of Mississippi Flavonoid derivatives
US6030386A (en) * 1998-08-10 2000-02-29 Smith & Nephew, Inc. Six axis external fixator strut
US6179797B1 (en) * 1998-03-16 2001-01-30 Gregory R. Brotz Therapeutic stimulatory massage device
US6190336B1 (en) * 1997-02-14 2001-02-20 Exogen, Inc. Ultrasonic treatment for wounds
US6206843B1 (en) * 1999-01-28 2001-03-27 Ultra Cure Ltd. Ultrasound system and methods utilizing same
US6355006B1 (en) * 1997-02-06 2002-03-12 Exogen, Inc. Method and apparatus for cartilage growth stimulation
US6360027B1 (en) * 1996-02-29 2002-03-19 Acuson Corporation Multiple ultrasound image registration system, method and transducer
US6503214B1 (en) * 1996-09-16 2003-01-07 Exogen, Inc. Cast punch
US20030013956A1 (en) * 2000-05-26 2003-01-16 David Michaeli Ultrasound apparatus and method for tissue resonance analysis
US6524261B2 (en) * 1997-04-18 2003-02-25 Exogen, Inc. Ultrasound application device for accelerating sternum healing

Family Cites Families (107)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1604870A (en) * 1926-05-07 1926-10-26 Walter C Asman Light fixture
US3193034A (en) 1961-01-06 1965-07-06 Continental Scale Corp Weighing scale
US3134451A (en) * 1962-03-14 1964-05-26 Hanson Scale Co Platform type bathroom scale
US3594993A (en) 1966-11-14 1971-07-27 Dexter Corp Porous, bonded and impregnated, nonwoven filter sheet structure
US3550586A (en) 1967-03-10 1970-12-29 Ultrasonic Systems Ultrasonic treatment method and device for fertilized ova and live embryos
US3767195A (en) 1969-03-03 1973-10-23 Lifecycle Inc Programmed bicycle exerciser
CA962806A (en) 1970-06-04 1975-02-18 Ontario Research Foundation Surgical prosthetic device
US3701352A (en) 1970-12-01 1972-10-31 Nathaniel L Bosworth Abdominal wall punch
US3760799A (en) 1972-03-02 1973-09-25 D Crowson Sonic teeth-cleaning apparatus and method
US3828769A (en) 1973-02-28 1974-08-13 H Mettler Method and apparatus for ultrasonic treatment of lower tissues simultaneous with heating of subcutaneous, outer muscle and lower tissues
US3986212A (en) 1975-04-11 1976-10-19 Glasrock Products, Inc. Composite prosthetic device with porous polymeric coating
US3961380A (en) * 1975-05-27 1976-06-08 Garr Ernest J Bathtub appliance with hot water bladder and heat chamber
US4127125A (en) 1975-12-22 1978-11-28 Lion Hamigaki Kabushiki Kaisha Devices for transmitting ultrasonic waves to teeth
US4037592A (en) * 1976-05-04 1977-07-26 Kronner Richard F Guide pin locating tool and method
FR2356465A1 (en) 1976-07-02 1978-01-27 Benoist Girard & Cie PROCESS FOR MANUFACTURING PARTS WITH A GRENUE SURFACE AND PART OBTAINED, IN PARTICULAR SURGICAL PROSTHESES
US4105017A (en) 1976-11-17 1978-08-08 Electro-Biology, Inc. Modification of the growth repair and maintenance behavior of living tissue and cells by a specific and selective change in electrical environment
GB1550010A (en) 1976-12-15 1979-08-08 Ontario Research Foundation Surgical prosthetic device or implant having pure metal porous coating
US4164794A (en) 1977-04-14 1979-08-21 Union Carbide Corporation Prosthetic devices having coatings of selected porous bioengineering thermoplastics
US4108165A (en) * 1977-06-20 1978-08-22 Krautkramer-Branson, Incorporated Transducer probe for pulse-echo ultrasonic exploration
US4176664A (en) 1978-03-13 1979-12-04 Stanley Kalish Impregnated bandage
US4170045A (en) 1978-06-09 1979-10-09 Estes Judith K Hospital bathtub
USRE32782E (en) 1978-07-28 1988-11-15 Massachusetts Institute Of Technology Method for determining in vivo, bone strength
US4361154A (en) 1978-07-28 1982-11-30 Massachusetts Institute Of Technology Method for establishing, in vivo, bone strength
US4421119A (en) 1979-06-15 1983-12-20 Massachusetts Institute Of Technology Apparatus for establishing in vivo, bone strength
FR2437136A1 (en) 1978-09-19 1980-04-18 Labo Electronique Physique SUPPORT FOR DEVICE FOR TRANSMITTING OR RECEIVING SIGNALS IN A SPECIFIED ANGULAR SECTOR
US4233477A (en) 1979-01-31 1980-11-11 The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Navy Flexible, shapeable, composite acoustic transducer
US4365359A (en) 1979-02-15 1982-12-28 Raab S PMMA Coated bone connective prostheses and method of forming same
US4227111A (en) 1979-03-28 1980-10-07 The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Navy Flexible piezoelectric composite transducers
US4351069A (en) 1979-06-29 1982-09-28 Union Carbide Corporation Prosthetic devices having sintered thermoplastic coatings with a porosity gradient
US4216766A (en) 1979-09-07 1980-08-12 The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Navy Treatment of body tissue by means of internal cavity resonance
AU526429B2 (en) * 1979-11-22 1983-01-06 Nikki Co., Ltd. Bubble generator
US4358105A (en) 1980-08-21 1982-11-09 Lifecycle, Inc. Programmed exerciser apparatus and method
US4446586A (en) * 1980-09-15 1984-05-08 Silchor Apparatus and method for bathing invalids
US4383533A (en) * 1981-02-10 1983-05-17 The United States Of America As Represented By The Administrator Of The National Aeronautics And Space Administration Apparatus for determining changes in limb volume
BR8107560A (en) 1981-11-19 1983-07-05 Luiz Romariz Duarte ULTRASONIC STIMULATION OF BONE FRACTURE CONSOLIDATION
US4476847A (en) 1981-11-19 1984-10-16 Litton Industrial Products, Inc. Adjustable double disc grinder dresser
US4542539A (en) 1982-03-12 1985-09-24 Artech Corp. Surgical implant having a graded porous coating
US4476874A (en) 1982-06-01 1984-10-16 Sri International Ultrasonic imaging with volume flow measuring method and apparatus
US4452326A (en) 1982-07-26 1984-06-05 Tricolor Corporation Corner bearing assembly for platform scale
US4594662A (en) 1982-11-12 1986-06-10 Schlumberger Technology Corporation Diffraction tomography systems and methods with fixed detector arrays
US4550714A (en) 1983-03-09 1985-11-05 Electro-Biology, Inc. Electromagnetic coil insert for an orthopedic cast or the like
US4542744A (en) 1983-03-23 1985-09-24 North American Philips Corporation Method and apparatus for remote tissue identification by statistical modeling and hypothesis testing of echo ultrasound signals
US4536894A (en) 1983-08-04 1985-08-27 Galante Jorge O Hip prosthesis with flared porous bony ingrowth pads
US4556066A (en) 1983-11-04 1985-12-03 The Kendall Company Ultrasound acoustical coupling pad
US4687195A (en) 1984-02-06 1987-08-18 Tri-Tech, Inc. Treadmill exerciser
ATE48234T1 (en) * 1984-02-08 1989-12-15 Zausmed Inc BONE GROWTH STIMULATOR.
US4612160A (en) 1984-04-02 1986-09-16 Dynamet, Inc. Porous metal coating process and mold therefor
DE3427001C1 (en) * 1984-07-21 1986-02-06 Dornier System Gmbh, 7990 Friedrichshafen Locating and positioning device
JPS61107181A (en) 1984-10-31 1986-05-26 Hitachi Ltd Apparatus and method for detecting object in medium material
JPS625359A (en) 1985-07-01 1987-01-12 林原 健 Resonant type vibration transmitter
US4630323A (en) 1985-08-02 1986-12-23 Sage Dennis R Bathtub liner
US4947853A (en) 1985-09-26 1990-08-14 Hon Edward H Sensor support base and method of application
US4708127A (en) 1985-10-24 1987-11-24 The Birtcher Corporation Ultrasonic generating system with feedback control
US4770184A (en) 1985-12-17 1988-09-13 Washington Research Foundation Ultrasonic doppler diagnostic system using pattern recognition
US4774959A (en) 1986-01-10 1988-10-04 Walker Sonix A/S Narrow band ultrasonic frequency attentuation bone measurement system
US4763661A (en) 1986-02-11 1988-08-16 Stanford University Filtered ultrasonic wave method and apparatus for detecting diseased tissue
US4627429A (en) 1986-02-28 1986-12-09 American Home Products Corporation Storage-stable transdermal adhesive patch
US4792336A (en) 1986-03-03 1988-12-20 American Cyanamid Company Flat braided ligament or tendon implant device having texturized yarns
JPS6336172A (en) 1986-07-29 1988-02-16 Toshiba Corp Ultrasonic coupler
US4867169A (en) 1986-07-29 1989-09-19 Kaoru Machida Attachment attached to ultrasound probe for clinical application
US4830015A (en) * 1986-09-16 1989-05-16 Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba Method and system for measuring an ultrasound tissue characterization
US4933230A (en) 1986-09-17 1990-06-12 American Cyanamid Piezoelectric composites
US5067940A (en) 1988-03-23 1991-11-26 Life Resonances, Inc. Method and apparatus for controlling the growth of cartilage
US4932951A (en) 1988-03-23 1990-06-12 Life Resonances, Inc. Method and apparatus for controlling tissue growth and an applied fluctuating magnetic field
BG46024A1 (en) 1987-05-19 1989-10-16 Min Na Narodnata Otbrana Method and device for treatment of bone patology
US4787888A (en) 1987-06-01 1988-11-29 University Of Connecticut Disposable piezoelectric polymer bandage for percutaneous delivery of drugs and method for such percutaneous delivery (a)
US4782822A (en) 1987-08-07 1988-11-08 Ricken James F Resonance frequency stimulator
US5018285A (en) * 1987-08-24 1991-05-28 Zimmer, Inc. Method of constructing prosthetic implant with wrapped porous surface
US4858599A (en) 1987-09-22 1989-08-22 Halpern Alan A Antiosteoporosis device and method
US4836316A (en) 1987-09-28 1989-06-06 Sunbeam Corporation Bath scale
US4855911A (en) 1987-11-16 1989-08-08 Massachusetts Institute Of Technology Ultrasonic tissue characterization
US4936303A (en) 1987-11-20 1990-06-26 Ultrathermics Ultrasonic heating apparatus and method
US5209221A (en) * 1988-03-01 1993-05-11 Richard Wolf Gmbh Ultrasonic treatment of pathological tissue
US5054490A (en) 1988-05-11 1991-10-08 Lunar Corporation Ultrasonic densitometer device and method
US4941474A (en) 1988-07-01 1990-07-17 Massachusetts Institute Of Technology Multivariable analysis of bone condition
US5046484A (en) 1988-08-03 1991-09-10 Osteo-Dyne, Inc. Method and device for treating bone disorders characterized by low bone mass
US4926870A (en) * 1988-08-30 1990-05-22 Osteo-Technology, Inc. Method and apparatus for ultrasonic analysis of bone strength in vivo
US5211160A (en) * 1988-09-14 1993-05-18 Interpore Orthopaedics, Inc. Ultrasonic orthopedic treatment head and body-mounting means therefor
US5016641A (en) * 1989-11-13 1991-05-21 Advanced Technology Laboratories, Inc. Spectral interpolation of ultrasound Doppler signal
US5509933A (en) * 1989-12-21 1996-04-23 Smith & Nephew Richards, Inc. Medical implants of hot worked, high strength, biocompatible, low modulus titanium alloys
DE4111055A1 (en) * 1990-04-05 1991-10-10 Jun Georg Ronge Attachment of medical equipment supporting rail - by means of spring clip which grips rail and has locking wedges
US5314487A (en) * 1991-02-14 1994-05-24 Smith & Nephew Richards Inc. Acetabular prosthesis with anchoring pegs
US5316000A (en) * 1991-03-05 1994-05-31 Technomed International (Societe Anonyme) Use of at least one composite piezoelectric transducer in the manufacture of an ultrasonic therapy apparatus for applying therapy, in a body zone, in particular to concretions, to tissue, or to bones, of a living being and method of ultrasonic therapy
US5314401A (en) * 1991-03-29 1994-05-24 Amei Technologies Inc. Conformable PEMF transducer
DE4118610A1 (en) * 1991-06-06 1992-12-10 Siemens Ag Coupling device for introducing acoustic waves into the body of a living being
US5415167A (en) * 1992-01-10 1995-05-16 Wilk; Peter J. Medical system and associated method for automatic diagnosis and treatment
US5405389A (en) * 1992-02-19 1995-04-11 Joint Medical Products Corporation Sintered coatings for implantable prostheses
US5254123A (en) * 1992-02-24 1993-10-19 Complete System Diagnostics, Inc. Compressive device for ultrasound-guided repair of pseudoaneurysms
US5309898A (en) * 1992-07-30 1994-05-10 Kaufman Jonathan J Ultrasonic bone-therapy and assessment apparatus and method
US5387222A (en) * 1993-05-14 1995-02-07 Strickland; James W. Carpal tunnel tome and carpal tunnel release surgery
GB2278783A (en) * 1993-06-11 1994-12-14 Daniel Shellon Gluck Method of magnetically stimulating neural cells
US5630837A (en) * 1993-07-01 1997-05-20 Boston Scientific Corporation Acoustic ablation
US5413550A (en) * 1993-07-21 1995-05-09 Pti, Inc. Ultrasound therapy system with automatic dose control
US5417215A (en) * 1994-02-04 1995-05-23 Long Island Jewish Medical Center Method of tissue characterization by ultrasound
US5615466A (en) * 1994-06-22 1997-04-01 Rutgers University Mehtod for making piezoelectric composites
US5743862A (en) * 1994-09-19 1998-04-28 Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba Ultrasonic medical treatment apparatus
US5520612A (en) * 1994-12-30 1996-05-28 Exogen, Inc. Acoustic system for bone-fracture therapy
KR100382838B1 (en) * 1995-02-15 2003-08-21 엑조겐 인코포레이티드 Positioning device and method
US5626554A (en) * 1995-02-21 1997-05-06 Exogen, Inc. Gel containment structure
US5971984A (en) 1995-03-01 1999-10-26 Smith & Nephew, Inc. Method of using an orthopaedic fixation device
IL114162A (en) * 1995-06-15 1999-03-12 Ostrow Alvin Stewart Submersive therapy apparatus
US5762616A (en) 1996-03-15 1998-06-09 Exogen, Inc. Apparatus for ultrasonic treatment of sites corresponding to the torso
US6213958B1 (en) * 1996-08-29 2001-04-10 Alan A. Winder Method and apparatus for the acoustic emission monitoring detection, localization, and classification of metabolic bone disease
WO1998049944A1 (en) * 1997-05-02 1998-11-12 Pilling Weck Incorporated Adjustable supporting bracket having plural ball and socket joints
US5891143A (en) 1997-10-20 1999-04-06 Smith & Nephew, Inc. Orthopaedic fixation plate
DE29811185U1 (en) * 1998-06-23 1998-10-01 Rhee Ryszard Van Dr Med Holder for an ultrasound head for sonographic determination of the sacrum position
FR2788959B1 (en) * 1999-02-01 2002-03-08 Siemens Ag DEVICE FOR A THERAPY HEAD FOR RECEIVING A LOCATION DEVICE AND THERAPY HEAD COMPRISING SUCH A DEVICE

Patent Citations (99)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US16557A (en) * 1857-02-03 Method of joining boxes
US34959A (en) * 1862-04-15 Improvement in stoves
US3117571A (en) * 1957-02-28 1964-01-14 Univ Illinois Production of reversible changes in living tissue by ultrasound
US2920853A (en) * 1957-11-18 1960-01-12 Bufogle John Guide for the ball float of flush tanks
US3241375A (en) * 1961-04-03 1966-03-22 Cons Electrodynamics Corp Transducer
US3310049A (en) * 1963-09-17 1967-03-21 Air Shields Ultrasonic cardiac volume measurements
US3433663A (en) * 1964-05-04 1969-03-18 Union Carbide Corp Impregnated porous paper webs and method of obtaining same
US3304036A (en) * 1965-07-19 1967-02-14 Claude R Davis Golf cart umbrella mounting attachment
US3499437A (en) * 1967-03-10 1970-03-10 Ultrasonic Systems Method and apparatus for treatment of organic structures and systems thereof with ultrasonic energy
US3575050A (en) * 1968-12-04 1971-04-13 Panametrics Fluid flowmeter
US3729162A (en) * 1971-03-05 1973-04-24 F Salvato Transom transducer mounting bracket
US3714619A (en) * 1971-09-15 1973-01-30 Gehring Kg Maschf Universal transducer mounting bracket and assembly
US4315503A (en) * 1976-11-17 1982-02-16 Electro-Biology, Inc. Modification of the growth, repair and maintenance behavior of living tissues and cells by a specific and selective change in electrical environment
US4141524A (en) * 1977-02-28 1979-02-27 Corvese Jr Louis Tube holder for immobile patients
US4195517A (en) * 1978-12-18 1980-04-01 The Foxboro Company Ultrasonic flowmeter
US4570487A (en) * 1980-04-21 1986-02-18 Southwest Research Institute Multibeam satellite-pulse observation technique for characterizing cracks in bimetallic coarse-grained component
US4315514A (en) * 1980-05-08 1982-02-16 William Drewes Method and apparatus for selective cell destruction
US4312536A (en) * 1980-06-05 1982-01-26 Lo-Rich Enterprises, Inc. Dunk seat
US4440025A (en) * 1980-06-27 1984-04-03 Matsushita Electric Industrial Company, Limited Arc scan transducer array having a diverging lens
US4431038A (en) * 1981-03-05 1984-02-14 Rome Philip L Actuating holder for combined electric eraser-pencil sharpeners
US4725272A (en) * 1981-06-29 1988-02-16 Alza Corporation Novel bandage for administering beneficial drug
US4644942A (en) * 1981-07-27 1987-02-24 Battelle Development Corporation Production of porous coating on a prosthesis
US4570640A (en) * 1981-08-06 1986-02-18 Barsa John E Sensory monitoring apparatus and method
US4441486A (en) * 1981-10-27 1984-04-10 Board Of Trustees Of Leland Stanford Jr. University Hyperthermia system
US4511921A (en) * 1982-06-16 1985-04-16 Rca Corporation Television receiver with manual and selectively disabled automatic picture control
US4646725A (en) * 1983-11-16 1987-03-03 Manoutchehr Moasser Method for treating herpes lesions and other infectious skin conditions
US4570927A (en) * 1983-12-15 1986-02-18 Wright State University Therapeutic device
US4573996A (en) * 1984-01-03 1986-03-04 Jonergin, Inc. Device for the administration of an active agent to the skin or mucosa
US4657543A (en) * 1984-07-23 1987-04-14 Massachusetts Institute Of Technology Ultrasonically modulated polymeric devices for delivering compositions
US5201766A (en) * 1985-09-11 1993-04-13 Smith & Nephew Richards Inc. Prosthetic device with porous matrix and method of manufacture
US4913157A (en) * 1986-06-03 1990-04-03 Analog Devices, Inc. Ultrasound method and apparatus for evaluating, in vivo, bone conditions
US4726099A (en) * 1986-09-17 1988-02-23 American Cyanamid Company Method of making piezoelectric composites
US4891849A (en) * 1986-10-20 1990-01-09 Robinson Harry W Hydrotherapy patient support apparatus
US4802477A (en) * 1987-05-07 1989-02-07 Shlomo Gabbay Sternum closure device
US4986275A (en) * 1987-08-05 1991-01-22 Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba Ultrasonic therapy apparatus
US4905671A (en) * 1988-01-11 1990-03-06 Dornier Medizintechnik Gmbh Inducement of bone growth by acoustic shock waves
US5106361A (en) * 1988-03-23 1992-04-21 Life Resonances, Inc. Method and apparatus for controlling the growth of non-osseous non-cartilaginous solid connective tissue
US5088976A (en) * 1988-03-23 1992-02-18 Life Resonances, Inc. Deformable magnetic field aiding coils for use in controlling tissue growth
US5178134A (en) * 1988-03-30 1993-01-12 Malmros Holding, Inc. Ultrasonic treatment of animals
US4917376A (en) * 1988-05-10 1990-04-17 Lo Peter K Exercise bicycle for exercising arms and legs
US4917092A (en) * 1988-07-13 1990-04-17 Medical Designs, Inc. Transcutaneous nerve stimulator for treatment of sympathetic nerve dysfunction
US5197475A (en) * 1988-08-10 1993-03-30 The Board Of Regents, The University Of Texas System Method and apparatus for analyzing material properties using ultrasound
US5186162A (en) * 1988-09-14 1993-02-16 Interpore Orthopaedics, Inc. Ultrasonic transducer device for treatment of living tissue and/or cells
US5003965A (en) * 1988-09-14 1991-04-02 Meditron Corporation Medical device for ultrasonic treatment of living tissue and/or cells
US4993413A (en) * 1988-09-22 1991-02-19 The Research Foundation Of State University Of New York Method and apparatus for inducing a current and voltage in living tissue
US5000183A (en) * 1988-09-30 1991-03-19 U.S. Philips Corporation Device for processing an echographic signal
US5080672A (en) * 1988-11-03 1992-01-14 John Bellis Method of applying a fully alloyed porous metallic coating to a surface of a metallic prosthesis component and product produced thereby
US4982730A (en) * 1988-12-21 1991-01-08 Lewis Jr Royce C Ultrasonic wound cleaning method and apparatus
US5099702A (en) * 1988-12-30 1992-03-31 French Sportech Corp. Perimeter mounted polymeric piezoelectric transducer pad
US5100373A (en) * 1989-01-09 1992-03-31 Life Resonances, Inc. Techniques for controlling osteoporosis using non-invasive magnetic fields
US4995883A (en) * 1989-02-08 1991-02-26 Smith & Nephew Richards Inc. Modular hip prosthesis
US5108452A (en) * 1989-02-08 1992-04-28 Smith & Nephew Richards Inc. Modular hip prosthesis
US4984462A (en) * 1989-05-30 1991-01-15 Meditor Corporation Detachable liquid level monitoring apparatus and method
US5004476A (en) * 1989-10-31 1991-04-02 Tulane University Porous coated total hip replacement system
US5181512A (en) * 1989-12-18 1993-01-26 Dornier Medizintechnik Gmbh Lithotripter including a holding device for an ultrasound locating transducer
US5000442A (en) * 1990-02-20 1991-03-19 Proform Fitness Products, Inc. Cross country ski exerciser
US5103806A (en) * 1990-07-31 1992-04-14 The Research Foundation Of State University Of New York Method for the promotion of growth, ingrowth and healing of bone tissue and the prevention of osteopenia by mechanical loading of the bone tissue
US5191880A (en) * 1990-07-31 1993-03-09 Mcleod Kenneth J Method for the promotion of growth, ingrowth and healing of bone tissue and the prevention of osteopenia by mechanical loading of the bone tissue
US5280728A (en) * 1990-11-05 1994-01-25 Tokimec Inc. Ultrasonic flow velocity measurement method and apparatus thereof
US5107853A (en) * 1991-01-07 1992-04-28 Daniels Manufacturing Corporation Apparatus for determining suceptibility to carpal tunnel syndrome
US5184605A (en) * 1991-01-31 1993-02-09 Excel Tech Ltd. Therapeutic ultrasound generator with radiation dose control
US5492525A (en) * 1991-06-06 1996-02-20 Gibney; Joel Exercise device for treating carpal tunnel syndrome
US5284143A (en) * 1991-06-13 1994-02-08 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Apparatus for treating bone pathologies with acoustic energy
US5380269A (en) * 1991-08-26 1995-01-10 Urso; Charles L. Back treatment device
US5301683A (en) * 1991-12-23 1994-04-12 Durkan John A Diagnosing carpal tunnel syndrome
US5871446A (en) * 1992-01-10 1999-02-16 Wilk; Peter J. Ultrasonic medical system and associated method
US5495846A (en) * 1992-02-12 1996-03-05 Ge Yokogawa Medical Systems, Limited Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus
US5295931A (en) * 1992-09-04 1994-03-22 Nordictrack, Inc. Rowing machine exercise apparatus
US5285788A (en) * 1992-10-16 1994-02-15 Acuson Corporation Ultrasonic tissue imaging method and apparatus with doppler velocity and acceleration processing
US5393296A (en) * 1992-12-09 1995-02-28 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Method for the medical treatment of pathologic bone
US5394877A (en) * 1993-04-01 1995-03-07 Axon Medical, Inc. Ultrasound medical diagnostic device having a coupling medium providing self-adherence to a patient
US5398290A (en) * 1993-05-03 1995-03-14 Kansas State University Research Foundation System for measurement of intramuscular fat in cattle
US5484388A (en) * 1993-07-02 1996-01-16 Osteo-Dyne, Inc. Method and device for treating bone disorders by applying preload and repetitive impacts
US5394878A (en) * 1993-07-13 1995-03-07 Frazin; Leon J. Method for two dimensional real time color doppler ultrasound imaging of bodily structures through the gastro intestinal wall
US5400795A (en) * 1993-10-22 1995-03-28 Telectronics Pacing Systems, Inc. Method of classifying heart rhythms by analyzing several morphology defining metrics derived for a patient's QRS complex
US5386830A (en) * 1993-10-25 1995-02-07 Advanced Technology Laboratories, Inc. Ultrasonic pulsed doppler flow measurement system with two dimensional autocorrelation processing
US5721400A (en) * 1994-03-24 1998-02-24 Eks International Ab Scale with lever mechanism and method for mounting components
US5496256A (en) * 1994-06-09 1996-03-05 Sonex International Corporation Ultrasonic bone healing device for dental application
US5501657A (en) * 1995-01-30 1996-03-26 Feero; Andrew A. Method of alleviating carpal tunnel syndrome
US5886302A (en) * 1995-02-08 1999-03-23 Measurement Specialties, Inc. Electrical weighing scale
US5728095A (en) * 1995-03-01 1998-03-17 Smith & Nephew, Inc. Method of using an orthopaedic fixation device
US5730705A (en) * 1995-06-12 1998-03-24 Talish; Roger J. Ultrasonic treatment for bony ingrowth
US5708236A (en) * 1995-06-28 1998-01-13 Enlight Corporation Weighing scale with cantilever beam for transmitting force to a strain gauge
US5706818A (en) * 1995-10-13 1998-01-13 Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. Ultrasonic diagnosing apparatus
US5868649A (en) * 1996-02-09 1999-02-09 Hydrosplash Enterprises, Inc. Aquatic exercise device
US5725482A (en) * 1996-02-09 1998-03-10 Bishop; Richard P. Method for applying high-intensity ultrasonic waves to a target volume within a human or animal body
US6360027B1 (en) * 1996-02-29 2002-03-19 Acuson Corporation Multiple ultrasound image registration system, method and transducer
US6503214B1 (en) * 1996-09-16 2003-01-07 Exogen, Inc. Cast punch
US6355006B1 (en) * 1997-02-06 2002-03-12 Exogen, Inc. Method and apparatus for cartilage growth stimulation
US6022349A (en) * 1997-02-12 2000-02-08 Exogen, Inc. Method and system for therapeutically treating bone fractures and osteoporosis
US6190336B1 (en) * 1997-02-14 2001-02-20 Exogen, Inc. Ultrasonic treatment for wounds
US6685656B1 (en) * 1997-02-14 2004-02-03 Exogen, Inc. Ultrasonic treatment for wounds
US6524261B2 (en) * 1997-04-18 2003-02-25 Exogen, Inc. Ultrasound application device for accelerating sternum healing
US6019710A (en) * 1998-01-06 2000-02-01 Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. Exercising device with elliptical movement
US6179797B1 (en) * 1998-03-16 2001-01-30 Gregory R. Brotz Therapeutic stimulatory massage device
US6030386A (en) * 1998-08-10 2000-02-29 Smith & Nephew, Inc. Six axis external fixator strut
US6028088A (en) * 1998-10-30 2000-02-22 The University Of Mississippi Flavonoid derivatives
US6206843B1 (en) * 1999-01-28 2001-03-27 Ultra Cure Ltd. Ultrasound system and methods utilizing same
US20030013956A1 (en) * 2000-05-26 2003-01-16 David Michaeli Ultrasound apparatus and method for tissue resonance analysis

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8123707B2 (en) 1997-02-06 2012-02-28 Exogen, Inc. Method and apparatus for connective tissue treatment
US20070213747A1 (en) * 2006-03-09 2007-09-13 Leonid Monassevitch Surgical compression clips
WO2007102152A3 (en) * 2006-03-09 2009-04-16 Niti Surgical Solutions Ltd Surgical compression clips
US20100331862A1 (en) * 2006-03-09 2010-12-30 Niti Surgical Solutions Ltd. Tissue compression using surgical clips
US7892244B2 (en) 2006-03-09 2011-02-22 Niti Surgical Solutions Ltd. Surgical compression clips
US20110112559A1 (en) * 2006-03-09 2011-05-12 Niti Surgical Solutions Ltd. Surgical compression clips

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU2002232679B2 (en) 2005-12-22
JP4126228B2 (en) 2008-07-30
US6932308B2 (en) 2005-08-23
AU3267902A (en) 2002-05-27
ATE489909T1 (en) 2010-12-15
JP2004513714A (en) 2004-05-13
EP1331894B1 (en) 2010-12-01
US20020145091A1 (en) 2002-10-10
EP1331894A2 (en) 2003-08-06
WO2002040099A3 (en) 2002-08-29
WO2002040099A2 (en) 2002-05-23
DE60143585D1 (en) 2011-01-13
CA2426903C (en) 2011-12-06
CA2426903A1 (en) 2002-05-23

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US6932308B2 (en) Transducer mounting assembly
AU2002232679A1 (en) Transducer mounting assembly
US5385536A (en) Orthopedic brace for arm and shoulder
US6162223A (en) Dynamic wrist fixation apparatus for early joint motion in distal radius fractures
AU691400B2 (en) External fixator for distal radius fractures
US5454810A (en) External fixation device
US8123747B2 (en) Apparatus for external fixation of a fractured distal radius with angularly adjustable pin clamping means
US8628530B2 (en) External fixation apparatus with angularly adjustable drill guiding and pin clamping means
US9265529B2 (en) Orthopedic fixation systems and methods
US20040181221A1 (en) External fixator
US20040133200A1 (en) Apparatus and method for maintaining bones in a healing position
US20130098376A1 (en) Arm Stabilizer Device and Methods
US20120029517A1 (en) Orthopedic external fixator and method of use
US8262657B2 (en) External fixation apparatus with adjustable pin clamping means and convergent bone pins
US10531974B2 (en) Wrist tower
US5086757A (en) Three-point cervical fixation device
US6123704A (en) Support fixture for setting a fractured distal radius
EP0466882B1 (en) Improvements in and to an external fixation device
US6932086B1 (en) Support fixture for setting a fractured distal radius
WO2010077309A2 (en) External fixation apparatus with adjustable pin clamping means and convergent bone pins
JP4383676B2 (en) Joint attachment
JP4352112B2 (en) Limb bone fixation device
US9848912B1 (en) Adjustment assembly for external fixator assembly
RU2063720C1 (en) Rod-type compression-distraction apparatus
US6224594B1 (en) Devices for passive motion of joints under traction

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: EXOGEN, INC., TENNESSEE

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:TALISH, ROGER J.;URGOVITCH, KENNETH J.;KROMPASICK, DONALD E.;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:019241/0251;SIGNING DATES FROM 20020409 TO 20020503

Owner name: EXOGEN, INC., TEXAS

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:TALISH, ROGER J.;URGOVITCH, KENNETH J.;KROMPASICK, DONALD E.;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:019241/0142;SIGNING DATES FROM 20020409 TO 20020503

STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION