Methods and apparatus for joint laxity measurements

A method of approving a subject for treatment, comprising:

• quantitatively measuring laxity of a joint of the subject;
• comparing the measured laxity to a reference laxity;
• and
• approving the subject based on the comparison.

An arthrometer, comprising:

• at least one displacement sensor;
• a force sensor situated and configured to measure a force;
• a limit indicator configured to indicate that the measured force is within a predetermined force range;
• a controller that receives a displacement of the joint from the displacement sensor, the displacement corresponding to the force measured by the force sensor;
• a computer-readable medium containing a reference displacement and a reference force;
• and
• a display configured to display the displacement of the joint, the force measured, the reference displacement, and the reference force.

An apparatus for measuring joint laxity, comprising:

• first and second displacement sensors that provide first and second displacement measurements, respectively, the first and second displacement sensors being configured to be attachable to corresponding first and second joint-reference locations;
• a force sensor that includes a force glove and configured to provide a force measurement;
• and
• a controller that receives the force measurement and the displacement measurements.