US 4,291,229 AGranted

Support and restraining device for arthographic examination of the knees

OwnerKenneth W. Pattinventor

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Abstract

Arthrograms of the knee permit visualization of the soft tissue components of the knee joint. This is particularly important in the diagnosis of lesions of the menisci, especially tearing lesions. A device is disclosed which includes a novel clamp for supporting and restraining the patient's leg in a precise position in front of a unique film holder. A novel arthrographic protractor indicator is also provided to permit the technician to accurately identify the exact degree of knee rotation depicted in each radiograph. The device is uncomplicated, compact, and is constructed in a uniquely adjustable manner which permits accurate arthrographic studies of either the right or left knee in any size of individual. The arthrogram radiographs obtained with this device are clearer, more accurate and precisely reproducible, if necessary. All of these advantages are accompanied by greater comfort and far less radiation exposure to the patient, and to the radiological personnel.

Claims8

Dependent claims

A support and restraining device for arthrographic examination of a knee, comprising:

a horizontal platform;
a clamp unit means mounted on said platform for supporting and restraining a patient's leg above said platform;
said clamp unit means including a vertically adjustable horizontal support member adapted to support the weight of such leg above said platform and an adjustable restraining means for securing such leg in a selective position on said support member and for permitting stress to be applied to such knee in order to open the knee joint;
an upstanding member adjacent one side of said support member and a pressure member mounted adjacent the side of said support member opposite said one side;
said pressure member being supported on said platform by adjustable positioning means which provide selectively adjustable and secure placement of said pressure member with respect to said support member and said upstanding member
said pressure member having a first generally planar section positioned so as to generally face said upstanding member and a second generally planar section immovably secured to said first section and positioned over and in generally facing relationship with said support member;
said adjustable positioning means including a universal joint unit for selective tilting and secure location of said pressure member with respect to said platform and a linear adjustment means for selective movement of said pressure member towards and away from said upstanding member and said support member and for secure location with respect thereto.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 06/101,675Filed 10 Dec 1979
Granted: 22 Sep 1981
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification8 codes

A61B 6/505
Specially adapted for specific body parts; specially adapted for specific clinical applications: for diagnosis of bone
A61B 1/317
For introducing through surgical openings, e.g. laparoscopes: for bones or joints, e.g. osteoscopes or arthroscopes
A61B 5/103
Measuring for diagnostic purposes ; Identification of persons: measuring devices for testing the shape, pattern, colour, size or movement of the…
A61B 5/4528
For evaluating or diagnosing the musculoskeletal system or teeth: joints