Importance

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Abstract

Electromagnetic position sensors are placed on the skin of a patient to electronically measure joint translation and range of motion. Non-invasive monitoring is provided during a joint translation examination by placing one position sensor on the skin of the patient to measure the position of a first bone in the vicinity of the joint and another position sensor on the skin of the patient to measure the position of a second bone in the vicinity of the joint. The translation examination is then conducted by the attending physician, and the amount of joint translation is determined objectively by determining the difference in the relative position between the sensors from an initial position for the exam to a clinical end point for the exam. In a glenohumeral translation examination, one sensor is preferably placed on the skin over the scapular spine while the other sensor is preferably placed over the bicipital groove. In a shoulder range of motion examination, the sensor over the bicipital groove is moved to cover the biceps. Again, the range of motion is determined objectively by determining the difference in the relative position between the sensors from an initial position for the exam to a clinical end point for the exam. The invention can be used to objectively monitor translation and range of motion of other joints as well.

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First Claim