Patent Application
20080161731
The present disclosure relates generally to apparatuses, systems, and methods for determining the range of motion of a joint of a patient.
Physical therapy is one treatment option used to treat injuries and disorders of a patient's joint, such as the patient's knee. Physical therapy typically includes a number of exercises that must be performed by the patient. For an increased rate of rehabilitation, the patient may be instructed by a healthcare provider (e.g., an orthopaedic surgeon, physical therapist, etc.) to perform such exercises in a regimented manner over a predetermined period of time. If the patient fails to perform the assigned exercises or performs the exercises incorrectly, rehabilitation of the patient's joint may be delayed.
Typically, the patient is required to travel to the healthcare provider's office to perform the exercises under the supervision of the healthcare provider. Alternatively, when the patient is immobile, the healthcare provider may travel to the residence of the patient to monitor the performance of the assigned exercises by the patient. In this way, the healthcare provider may verify that the patient is performing the exercises in a routine and correct manner.
According to one aspect, an apparatus for monitoring the range of motion of a patient's knee includes a knee sleeve configured to be worn around the knee of the patient. The knee sleeve includes a superior half and an inferior half defined by a bisecting plane. The apparatus may also include a first sensor circuit coupled to the superior half of the knee sleeve. The first sensor circuit may include a first sensor configured to generate first data indicative of the position of the first sensor. The apparatus may also include a second sensor circuit coupled to the inferior half of the knee sleeve. The second sensor circuit may include a second sensor configured to generate second data indicative of the position of the second sensor. Additionally, the apparatus may include a communication circuit coupled to the knee sleeve and electrically coupled to the first sensor circuit and the second sensor circuit. The communication circuit may be configured to transmit the first and second data.
The first sensor circuit, the second sensor circuit, and/or the communication circuit may be removably coupled to the knee sleeve. The first sensor circuit and/or the second sensor circuit may include a third sensor configured to generate data indicative of the temperature (e.g., skin temperature) of the patient. Additionally, the first sensor circuit and/or the second sensor circuit may include a fourth sensor configured to generate data indicative of the heart rate of the patient. In such embodiments, the communication circuit may be configured to transmit the temperature data and/or the heart rate data. The communication circuit may include a memory device in some embodiments. In such embodiments, the communication circuit may be configured to store the first data, second data, the temperature data, and/or the heart rate data in the memory device. The communication circuit may also be configured to retrieve stored position data, temperature data, and/or heart rate data from the memory device and transmit such data.
In some embodiments, the knee sleeve may include an aperture. In such embodiments, the first sensor circuit and/or the second sensor circuit may be sized to be positioned in the aperture such that a portion of the sensor circuit is in contact with the skin of the patient when the knee sleeve is worn by the patient. For example, in some embodiments, the superior half of the knee sleeve may include a first aperture and the inferior half of the knee sleeve may include a second aperture. The first sensor circuit may be sized to be positioned in the first aperture such that a portion of the first sensor circuit is in contact with the skin of the patient when the knee sleeve is worn by the patient and the second sensor circuit is sized to be positioned in the second aperture such that a portion of the second sensor circuit is in contact with the skin of the patient when the knee sleeve is worn by the patient.
The apparatus may also include a third sensor circuit and a fourth sensor circuit coupled to the superior and inferior half of the knee sleeve, respectively. The third sensor circuit may include a third sensor configured to generate third data indicative of the position of the third sensor. The fourth sensor circuit may include a fourth sensor configured to generate fourth position data indicative of the position of the fourth sensor. In such embodiments, the first sensor circuit and the second sensor circuit may be coupled to a lateral side of the knee sleeve and the third sensor circuit and the fourth sensor circuit may be coupled to an anterior side of the knee sleeve.
According to another aspect, a system for monitoring the range of motion of a patient's knee may include a knee sleeve, a first sensor coupled to the knee sleeve, a second sensor coupled to the knee sleeve, and a communication circuit coupled to the knee sleeve and electrically coupled to the first sensor and the second sensor. The first sensor may be configured to generate first data indicative of the position of the first sensor. The second position sensor may be configured to generate second data indicative of the position of the second sensor. The communication circuit may be configured to wirelessly transmit the first and second data.
The system may also include a first computer configured to determine third data indicative of the position of a femur of the patient based on the first data. The first computer may also be configured to determine fourth data indicative of the position of a tibia of the patient based on the second data. Additionally, the first computer may be configured to display indicia of the femur of the patient on a display device in a position based on the third data and/or indicia of the tibia of the patient on the display device in a position based on the fourth data. The first computer may also be configured to determine a cyclic count indicative of the number of times the knee of the patient is moved between a flexion angle and an extension angle within a period of time based on the first data and the second data.
In some embodiments, the system may include a second computer. The second computer may be configured to receive the first data and the second data from the communication circuit and transmit the first data and the position data to the first computer over a network. Additionally or alternatively, the second computer may be configured to display indicia of the femur of the patient on a display device in a position based on the third data and indicia of the tibia of the patient on the display device in a position based on the fourth data. In such embodiments, the first computer may be configured to transmit the first data and the second data to the second computer over a network. Additionally, the first and/or second computer may include a portable media device in some embodiments. In such embodiments, the second computer may be configured to receive the first data and the second data from the communication circuit and store the first data and the position data on the portable media device. Additionally, in such embodiments, the first computer may be configured to retrieve the first and second data from the portable media device and display indicia of the femur of the patient on a display device in a position based on the third data and indicia of the tibia of the patient on the display device in a position based on the fourth data.
Further, in some embodiments, the system may include a third sensor coupled to the knee sleeve and a fourth sensor coupled to the knee sleeve. The third position sensor may be configured to generate fifth data indicative of the position of the third sensor. The fourth position sensor may be configured to generate sixth data indicative of the position of the fourth sensor. In such embodiments, the first and third sensors may be coupled to a lateral side of the knee sleeve and the second and fourth sensors may be coupled to an anterior side of the knee sleeve. Additionally, the communication circuit may be configured to wirelessly transmit the first, second, fifth, and sixth data.
According to a further aspect, a method for monitoring the range of motion of a patient's joint defined by a first bone and a second bone may include determining first data indicative of the position of a first sensor coupled to a superior half of a garment wearable by the patient, determining second data indicative of the position of a second sensor coupled to an inferior half of the knee sleeve, and transmitting the first and second data to a first computer. The method may also include determining third data indicative of a position of the first bone based on the first data and fourth data indicative of a position of the second bone based on the second data. The determination of the third data and fourth data may be performed by the first computer. The method may further include determining data indicative of the range of motion of the patient's joint based on the third data and the fourth data. In some embodiments, the method may also include displaying a rendered image of the first bone of the patient on a display screen in a position based on the third data and a rendered image of the second bone of the patient on the display screen in a position based on the fourth data. Additionally, the method may include storing the first and second data on a portable media device and retrieving the stored first and second data from the portable media device.
In some embodiments, the method may include transmitting the first data and the second data from the first computer to a second computer over a network. In such embodiments, the determining step and the displaying step are performed by the second computer. Yet further, the method may include determining temperature data indicative of the temperature of the patient and transmitting the temperature data to the first computer. Additionally, the method may include determining a cycle count indicative of the number of times the knee of the patient is moved between a flexion position and an extension position within a period of time.
The detailed description particularly refers to the following figures, in which:
While the concepts of the present disclosure are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific exemplary embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intent to limit the concepts of the present disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
Referring to
As illustrated in
The knee sleeve 14 may be sized based on one or more parameters such as the physical size of the patient. For example, the knee sleeve 14 is sized such that the knee sleeve 14 covers only the knee joint region of the patient's leg. That is, when the knee sleeve 14 is worn by the patient, the superior half 22 of the knee sleeve 14 does not extend up to the groin region of the patient and the inferior half 24 does not extend down to the ankle region of the patient. Because the knee sleeve 14 is worn only around the knee joint region of the patient's leg, the natural movement of the patient's joint is not substantially affected by the use of the knee sleeve 14 unlike a full-leg sleeve or full body suit, which extends from groin-to-ankle. Although the knee sleeve 14 does not substantially affect the natural movement of the patient's joint, the knee sleeve 14 may provide some amount of additional support to the knee joint in some embodiments.
In the illustrative embodiment, the sensing circuitry 16 includes a number of sensor circuits 30, 32, 34, 36 and a communication circuit 38. In some embodiments, the sensor circuits 30, 32, 34, 36 and the communication circuit 38 are incorporated into the knee sleeve 14. For example, the circuits 30, 32, 34, 36, 38 may be woven into the material forming the knee sleeve 14 or otherwise attached to the knee sleeve 14 in a non-removable manner using, for example, a permanent adhesive or the like.
Alternatively, in other embodiments, the sensor circuits 30, 32, 34, 36 and the communication circuit 38 may be removably attached to the knee sleeve 14. For example, as illustrated in
In some embodiments, as illustrated in
When the sensor circuit 30, 32, 34, 36 is positioned in the aperture 42, a bottom surface 52 of the sensor circuit 30, 32, 34, 36 may be positioned in contact with the skin of the patient. Such positioning of the sensor circuit 30, 32, 34, 36 allows measurements of particular parameters of the patient, such as the patient's temperature and/or heart rate, in some embodiments as discussed in more detail below in regard to
Referring back to
In the illustrative embodiment, the sensor circuits 30, 34 and the sensor circuits 32, 36 are positioned on the lateral and anterior side of the knee sleeve 14 to reduce the likelihood that any one of the sensor circuits 30, 32, 34, 36 obstructs the normal movement of the patient or becomes dislodged from the knee sleeve 14. For example, such positioning of the sensor circuits 30, 32, 34, 36 may reduce the likelihood that the sensor circuits 30, 32, 34, 36 inadvertently become dislodged from the knee sleeve 14 by movement of the patient from, for example, being repeatedly hit or rubbed by the leg of the patient as may be the case if sensor circuits were located on the medial side of the knee sleeve 14. However, in other embodiments, the sensor circuits 30, 34 and 32, 36 may be positioned in other locations on the knee sleeve 14.
Each of the sensor circuits 30, 32, 34, 36 is electrically coupled to the communication circuit 38 via a number of communication links 60, 62, 64, 66, respectively. The communication links 60, 62, 64, 66 may be embodied as any type of communication link capable of providing electrical communication between the sensor circuits 30, 32, 34, 36 and the communication circuit 38. For example, the communication links 60, 62, 64, 66 may be embodied as any number of wires, cables, fiber optic cables, and/or the like. In some embodiments, the sensor circuits 30, 32, 34, 36 may be removably coupled to the communication circuit 38. For example, as illustrated in
As illustrated in
Although the communication circuit 38 is illustrated in
Referring now to
In some embodiments, the sensor circuits 30, 32, 34, 36 may also include a temperature sensor 94 and/or a heart rate sensor 96. The temperature sensor 94 may be embodied as any type of temperature sensor capable of generating sensor data indicative of the temperature of the patient. Similarly, the heart rate sensor 96 may be embodied as any type of heart rate sensor capable of generating a sensor data indicative of the heart rate of the patient. In such embodiments, the temperature sensor 94 and/or the heart rate sensor 96 may be positioned in the housing 90 such that the temperature sensor 94 and heart rate sensor 96 (or portions thereof) are in contact or positioned closely to the skin of the patient. For example, in embodiments wherein the knee sleeve 14 includes the apertures 42, the temperature sensor 94 and/or the heart rate sensor 96 may be positioned in the housing 90 such that a portion of the sensors 94, 96 are in contact with or otherwise close to the skin of the patient. Additionally, in embodiments wherein the sensor circuits 30, 32, 34, 36 include a temperature sensor 94 and/or a heart rate sensor 96, such sensors 94, 96 may be positioned on a circuit board (not shown) or other substrate in common with the position sensors 92. Additionally, the sensor circuits 30, 32, 34, 36 may include other circuitry not illustrated in
Referring now to
The patient computer 102 is coupled to the network 108 via a number of communication links 110. Similarly, the healthcare provider computer 104 is coupled to the network 108 via a number of communication links 112. The communication links 110, 112 may be embodied as any type of communication links capable of providing communication between the patient computer 102 and the healthcare provider computer 104. For example, the communication links 110, 112 may be embodied as any number of cables, wires, fiber optic cables, wireless signals, and/or the like.
The patient computer 102 includes a processor 114 and a memory device 116. The processor 115 may be embodied as any type of processor including, for example, discrete processing circuitry (e.g., a collection of logic devices), general purpose integrated circuit(s), and/or application specific integrated circuit(s) (i.e., ASICs). The memory device 116 may be embodied as any type of memory device and may include one or more memory types, such as, random access memory (i.e., RAM) and/or read-only memory (i.e., ROM). In addition, the patient computer 102 may include other devices and circuitry typically found in a computer for performing the functions described herein such as, for example, a hard drive, input/output circuitry, and the like. As such, the patient computer 102 may be embodied as any type of computer or computing device capable of receiving data from the knee sleeve 14 and transmitting the data to the healthcare provider computer 104. For example, the computer 102 may be embodied as a typical desktop, laptop computer, or personal digital assistant (PDA) device equipped with a display screen, keyboard, and other devices and circuitry typically found in a desktop computer, laptop computer, or PDA. Alternatively, the patient computer 102 may be embodied as an application specific computer or computer device configured to perform the functions described herein.
The patient computer 102 also includes communication circuitry 118 to facilitate communication with the sensing circuit 16 of the knee sleeve 14 and the healthcare provider computer 104. As such, the communication circuitry 118 may include transmitter and/or receiver circuitry. Additionally, the communication circuitry may be configured to communicate with the sensing circuit 16 of the knee sleeve 14 and/or the healthcare provider computer 104 using wired or wireless communication protocols. As such, the communication circuitry 118 may be embodied as wired and/or wireless communication circuitry. In one particular embodiment, the communication circuitry 118 is configured to wirelessly receive sensor data from the communication circuitry 38 of the knee sleeve 14 via the communication links 106 and transmit the sensor data and/or other data to the healthcare provider computer 104 via the communication links 110, 112 and the network 108.
In some embodiments, the patient computer 102 may also include a portable media interface 120. The portable media interface 120 is configured to receive a portable media device 132. In the illustrative embodiment, the portable media interface 120 is embodied as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port. However, in other embodiments, the portable media interface 120 may be embodied as any type of serial port, parallel port, flash drive port, or other data port capable of communicating with and storing data on the portable media device 132. The portable media device 132 may be embodied as any portable memory device configured for the purpose of transporting data from one computer system to another computer system. In some embodiments, the portable media memory device 132 is embodied as a removable solid-state memory device such as a removable flash memory device. For example, the portable media device 132 may be embodied as a MemoryStick™ flash memory device, a SmartMedia™ flash memory device, or a CompactFlash™ flash memory device. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the portable media device 132 may be embodied as a memory device having a microdrive for data storage. Regardless, the portable media memory device 132 is capable of storing data such as sensor data for later retrieval.
The healthcare provider computer 104 includes a processor 122, memory device 124, and a display 126. The processor 122 may be embodied as any type of processor including, for example, discrete processing circuitry (e.g., a collection of logic devices), general purpose integrated circuit(s), and/or application specific integrated circuit(s) (i.e., ASICs). The memory device 124 may be embodied as any type of memory device and may include one or more memory types, such as, random access memory (i.e., RAM) and/or read-only memory (i.e., ROM). The display 126 may be embodied as any type of display or display device capable of displaying data and images to a user (e.g., an orthopaedic surgeon or physical therapist) of the healthcare provider computer 104. In some embodiments, the display 126 forms an integral portion of the healthcare provider computer 104. However, in other embodiments, the display 126 may be separate from the healthcare provider computer, but communicatively coupled therewith.
The healthcare provider computer 104 also includes communication circuitry 128 to facilitate communication with the patient computer 102. As such, the communication circuitry 128 may include transmitter and/or receiver circuitry. Additionally, the communication circuitry 128 may be configured to communicate with the patient computer 102 using wired or wireless communication protocols depending upon, for example, the type of network 108. For example, in embodiments wherein the network 108 is a wireless network, the communication circuitry 128 may be embodied as a wireless communication circuitry.
In addition to communicating with the patient computer 102, the healthcare provider computer 104 may be configured to communicate directly with the sensing circuit 16 of the knee sleeve 14 in some embodiments. For example, when the patient is at the healthcare provider's office, the healthcare provider computer 104 may receive sensor data from the communication circuitry 38 of the knee sleeve 14 rather than from the patient computer 102, which may be remotely located from the healthcare provider's office. In such embodiments, the communication circuitry 128 includes suitable circuitry to facilitate communication with the communication circuitry 38 of the knee sleeve 14. For example, the communication circuitry 128 may include wireless communication circuitry configured to wirelessly receive sensor data from the communication circuitry 38 of the knee sleeve 14 via a wireless communication link 134.
Additionally, in some embodiments, the healthcare provider computer 104 may also include a portable media interface 130. The portable media interface 130 is configured to receive the portable media device 132. In the illustrative embodiment, the portable media interface 130 is embodied as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port. However, in other embodiments, the portable media interface 130 may be embodied as any type of serial port, parallel port, or other data port capable of communicating with and retrieving data from the portable media device 132. As discussed above, the portable media device 132 may be embodied as any portable memory device configured for the purpose of transporting data from one computer system to another computer system.
In addition, the healthcare provider computer 104 may include other devices and circuitry typically found in a computer for performing the functions described herein such as, for example, a hard drive, input/output circuitry, and the like. As such, the healthcare provider computer 104 may be embodied as any type of computer or computing device capable of receiving data from the patient computer 102 and displaying data to a user (e.g., an orthopaedic surgeon or a physical therapist). For example, the healthcare provider computer 104 may be embodied as a typical desktop or laptop computer equipped with a display screen, keyboard, and other devices and circuitry typically found in a desktop and/or laptop computer. Alternatively, the healthcare provider computer 104 may be embodied as an application specific computer or computer device configured to perform the functions described herein. Further, in some embodiments, the healthcare provider computer 104 may form a portion of a hospital network or otherwise be communicatively coupled to such a network.
In use, the patient computer 102 may be located at the residence of the patient while the healthcare provider computer 104 is located at the healthcare provider's office. Alternatively, as discussed above, the healthcare provider computer 104 may be located in a hospital or otherwise form a portion of a hospital network. In such embodiments, the healthcare provider computer 104 may be remotely accessible by the healthcare provider such as from a remote computer located in the office of the healthcare provider. The patient computer 102 is configured to receive sensor data from the sensing circuit 16 of the knee sleeve 14 via the communication link 106. The sensor data includes the data received from the respective position sensors 92 and, in some embodiments, from the temperature sensor(s) 94 and the heart rate sensor(s) 96. The patient computer 102 may be configured to store the received sensor data in the memory device 116 and/or the portable media device 120. Additionally, the patient computer 102 may be configured to transmit the sensor data to the healthcare provider computer 104 via the network 108. The patient computer 102 may transmit the data continually or periodically. That is, in some embodiments, the patient computer 102 may be configured to store the received sensor data over time and only transmit the sensor data during a predetermined time period or in response to a request received from the healthcare provider computer 104.
Regardless, once the healthcare provider computer 104 receives the sensor data, the computer 104 is configured to determine the range of motion of the patient's joint (e.g., the patient knee) based on the sensor data generated by the position sensors 92. Additionally, the healthcare provider computer 104 may be configured to determine the temperature of the patient based on the sensor data generated by the temperature sensor(s) 94 and the heart rate of the patient based on the sensor data generated by the heart rate sensor(s) 96. The healthcare provider computer 104 may subsequently display an image indicative of the range of motion of the patient's joint, the patient's temperature, and/or the heart rate of the patient on the display device 126 for review by the healthcare provider (e.g., orthopaedic surgeon or physical therapist). The healthcare provider computer 104 may also be configured to determine other data based on the sensor data received from the patient computer 102. For example, in some embodiments, the healthcare provider computer 104 may be configured to determine a count of the number of times that the patient's joint is cycled (e.g., moved from an extension position to a flexion position and back to the extension position). In this way, the system 100 may be used by a healthcare provider to remotely monitor the range of motion of a joint of the patient along with other data related to the patient. Based on the determined range of motion data, the healthcare provider may be able to determine whether the patient is routinely performing any assigned exercises and whether the patient is performing the exercises correctly (e.g., extending the joint to a full extension position).
In some embodiments, the patient computer 102 may also be configured to determine the range of motion of the patient's joint based on the sensor data generated by the position sensors 92, the temperature of the patient based on the sensor data generated by the temperature sensor(s) 94, and/or the heart rate of the patient based on the sensor data generated by the heart rate sensor(s) 96. In such embodiments, the patient computer 102 may display an image indicative of the range of motion of the patient's joint, the patient's temperature, and/or the heart rate of the patient on a display device (not shown) of the patient computer 102. In this way, the patient may monitor their physical therapy progress as indicated by such data as the range of motion of the relevant joint.
Referring now to
In process step 204, the communication circuit 38 determines whether the sensor data should be stored. If so, the sensor data received from the sensor circuits 30, 32, 34, 36 is stored in the memory device 82 in process step 206. Subsequently or if the sensor data is to be stored, the algorithm 200 advances to process step 208. In process step 208, the communication circuit 38 determines whether the sensor data should be transmitted. The communication circuit 38 may be configured to transmit the data continually, periodically, or in response to a request signal received from the patient computer 102 (or from the healthcare provider computer 104 in some embodiments). For example, in some embodiments, the communication circuit 38 is configured to transmit the sensor data only during predetermined time periods. In other embodiments, the communication circuit 38 may be configured to transmit the sensor data only after receiving a request for the sensor data from the patient computer 102. Regardless, if the communication circuit 38 determines that the sensor data should be transmitted, the algorithm 200 advances to process step 210 wherein the communication circuit 38 transmits the sensor data to the patient computer 102 via the communication link 106 (or to the healthcare provider computer 104 via the communication link 134). Additionally, in some embodiments such as in those embodiments wherein the communication circuit 38 is configured to store received sensor data, the communication circuit 38 may retrieve the stored sensor data and transmit the stored sensor data in process step 210.
Referring now to
If the patient computer 102 determines that the sensor data should be stored, the patient computer 102 stores the sensor data in the memory device 116 in process step 308. Additionally, in embodiments wherein the patient computer 102 includes the portable media interface 120, the patient computer 102 may be configured to store the received sensor data on the portable media device 132. Further, in some embodiments, the patient computer 102 may be configured to retrieve previously stored sensor data from the memory device 116 and store the retrieved sensor data on the portable media device 132 in process step 310.
Once the sensor data has been stored or if the patient computer 102 determines that the sensor data is not to be stored, the algorithm 300 advances to process step 312. In process step 312, the patient computer 102 determines whether the sensor data received from the communication circuit 38 of the knee sleeve 14 should be transmitted to the healthcare provider computer 104. The patient computer 102 may be configured to transmit the data continually, periodically, or in response to a request signal received from the healthcare provider computer 104. For example, in some embodiments, the patient computer 104 is configured to transmit the sensor data to the healthcare provider computer 104 only during predetermined time periods. In other embodiments, the patient computer 102 may be configured to transmit the sensor data only after receiving a request for the sensor data from the healthcare provider computer 104. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the patient computer 102 may be configured to not transmit the sensor data at all. In such embodiments, the sensor data may be transferred from the patient computer 102 to the healthcare provider computer 104 via the portable media device 132. Regardless, if the patient computer 102 determines that the sensor data should be transmitted, the algorithm 300 advances to process step 314 wherein the patient computer 102 is configured to transmit the sensor data to the healthcare provider computer 104 via the communication links 110, 112 and the network 108.
Once the sensor data has been transmitted to the healthcare provider computer 104 or if the algorithm 300 determines that the sensor data should not be transmitted, the algorithm 300 advances to process step 316. In process step 316, the patient computer 102 determines whether any stored sensor data should be transmitted to the healthcare provider computer 104. If so, the algorithm 300 advances to process step 318 wherein stored sensor data is retrieved from the memory device 116. As discussed above, the stored sensor data may include sensor data generated from the position sensors 92, the temperature sensor(s) 94, the heart rate sensor(s) 96, and/or any other sensors included in one or more of the sensor circuits 30, 32, 34, 36. Once the stored sensor data has been retrieved in process step 318, the stored sensor data is transmitted to the healthcare provider computer 104 via the communication links 110, 112 and the network 108 in process step 320.
In some embodiments, the patient computer 102 may be configured to retrieve the stored sensor data in response to a request signal received from the healthcare provider computer 104. In such embodiments, the patient computer 102 may retrieve the stored sensor data and transmit the stored sensor data to the healthcare provider computer 104 regardless whether the patient computer 104 is receiving sensor data from the communication circuit 38 of the knee sleeve 14. That is, although the retrieval of stored sensor data is illustrated in algorithm 300 as occurring only subsequent to the receipt of sensor data in process step 304, in other embodiments, the patient computer 104 may be configured to retrieve and transmit the sensor data at any time in response to a request signal received by the healthcare provider computer 104. Additionally or alternatively, the patient computer 102 may be configured to periodically transmit the stored data. As such, it should be appreciated that the patient computer 104 may transmit sensor data or otherwise communicate with the healthcare provider computer 104 regardless of whether any sensor data is being received from the communication circuit 38.
In some embodiments, as discussed above, the patient computer 102 may be configured to determine the range of motion of the patient's joint, the temperature of the patient, the heart rate of the patient, and/or other data based on the sensor data received in process step 304. In such embodiments, the patient computer 102 may determine the range of motion using the algorithm described in process steps 410 and 412 of algorithm 400 described below in regard to
Referring now to
Referring back to process step 402, if sensor data is not being transmitted by the patient computer 102, the algorithm 400 advances to process step 406 wherein the healthcare provider computer 104 determines whether any sensor data should be retrieved from the portable media device 132. For example, the sensor data may be stored on the portable media device 132 by the patient computer 102. Subsequently, the portable media device 132 may be brought to the healthcare providers office and inserted or otherwise communicatively coupled to the portable media interface 130 of the healthcare provide computer 104. In response, the computer 104 may be configured to prompt the healthcare provider whether any sensor data should be retrieved from the portable media device 132. If so, the algorithm 400 advances to process step 408 wherein any sensor data stored on the portable media device 132 is retrieved by the healthcare provider computer 104. In this way, sensor data may be transferred from the patient computer 102 to the healthcare provider computer 104 via use of the portable media device 132.
Next, in process step 410, the healthcare provider computer 104 is configured to calculate the position of the relevant bones or bony anatomy of the patient based on the sensor data. For example, in the illustrative embodiment of
Once the position of the relevant bones or bony anatomy of the patient is determined in step 410, rendered images of the relevant bones of the patient are displayed to the healthcare provider (e.g., orthopaedic surgeon or physical therapist) via the display device 126. To do so, in some embodiments, the healthcare provider computer 104 is configured to generate an image of each relevant bone (e.g., of the femur and tibia of the patient) and display such images in a position relative to each other as determined in process step 410. Additionally or alternatively, the healthcare provider computer 104 may be configured to retrieve pre-operative or otherwise pre-generated medical images of the relative bones of the patient from an image database and display images of the patient's bones based on such pre-operative or pre-generated medical images. In this way, the rendered images may closely match the actual physical structure of the bones of the patient.
It should be appreciated that such displayed images of the bones or boney anatomy are updated as new sensor data is received from the patient computer 104 (or from the sensing circuit 16 of the knee sleeve 14 in some embodiments). In this way, the motion of the patient's joint (e.g., knee joint 12) may be remotely or locally monitored by the healthcare provider. Additionally, the healthcare provider computer 104 may determine the range of motion of the patient's joint based on the position sensor data by, for example, determining the maximum flexion and extension angles between the respective bones. The range of motion may also be actively monitored by the healthcare provider using the updated images of the relevant bones displayed on the display device 126. For example, the healthcare provider may determine whether the patient is fully extending and/or flexing the relevant joint based on such images.
In some embodiments, the healthcare provider computer 104 is configured to determine additional data in process step 414. For example, the healthcare provider computer 104 may be configured to determine the temperature of the patient based on sensor data generated by one or more temperature sensors 94. Additionally or alternatively, the healthcare provider computer 104 may be configured to determine the heart rate of the patient based on sensor data generated by one of more heart rate sensors 96. Further, in some embodiments, the healthcare provider computer 104 may be configured to determine a cycle count indicative of the number of times the patient's joint (e.g., knee joint 12) has been cycled between two or more predetermined positions (e.g., between a flexion position and a extension position). The healthcare provider computer 104 may determine the cycle count based on, for example, the range of motion and/or images generated in process steps 410, 412. Subsequently, in process step 416, the healthcare provider computer 104 is configured to display the additional data (e.g., the temperature data, the heart rate data, the cycle count, etc.) determined in process step 414. To do so, the healthcare provider computer 104 may display the additional data to the healthcare provider via the display device 126. In this way, the healthcare provider may remotely or locally monitor the range of motion, the cycle count, the temperature, and/or the heart rate of the patient.
It should be appreciated that the system 100 allows the healthcare provider to remotely and/or locally monitor the kinematic motion of the patient. As such, the healthcare provider may monitor or analyze any aspect of the kinematic motion or other data determinable based on the kinematic motion of the patient such as, for example, the range of motion achieved by the patient, the cycle count achieved by the patient, the rehabilitative progress of the patient, aspects of the patient's gait, and the like. In addition, such monitoring or analysis may be performed by the healthcare provider pre-operatively and/or post-operatively in those embodiments wherein an orthopaedic surgical procedure is performed. Similarly, such monitoring or analysis may be performed by the healthcare provider pre-therapy and/or post-therapy in those embodiments wherein the patient is assigned a physical therapy regime. In addition, the healthcare provider may monitor the progress of the patient's physical therapy as the patient is performing the assigned exercises. As such, by remotely and/or locally monitoring the patient's performance, the healthcare provider is able to, for example, verify that the patient is adhering to the physical therapy regimen assigned by the healthcare provider.
In some embodiments, the healthcare provider may be in communicative contact with the patient (e.g., via a telephone) while the patient is performing the assigned exercises. In such embodiments, the healthcare provider may provide additional instructions to the patient to ensure that the patient is performing the exercises correctly. For example, the healthcare provider may monitor the range of motion of the patient's joint in real time or near real time via the display device 126. If the healthcare provider determines that the patient is not achieving a satisfactory range of motion, the healthcare provider can verbally instruct the patient to extend or flex the joint further and subsequently monitor the improved range of motion of the joint as indicated via the healthcare provider computer 104. In this way, the healthcare provider may provide an amount of healthcare to the patient without the requirement that the patient visit the healthcare provider's office or that the healthcare provider visit the residence of the patient. As such, in some embodiments, the healthcare provider computer 104 may be configured to record the monitoring session, generate charts or graphs of the patient's improvement over time, and generate a bill for the time spent by the healthcare provider. The generated bill, along with records of the monitoring sessions and charts illustrating improvement of the patient, may be subsequently provided to a third party, such as an insurance provider, for payment thereof.
Although the apparatus 10 has been described herein in reference to a knee sleeve, it should be appreciated that other garments may be used in other embodiments. For example, in some embodiments the garment may be embodied as a foot-covering garment, an elbow-covering garment, a wrist-covering garment, a shoulder- and/or back-covering garment, or a hip-covering garment. That is, any garment may be used that does not significantly alter the natural movement of the patient, is form fitting to the relative portion of the patient's anatomy such that the garment sufficiently tracks the movement of the relevant bones, and to which the sensing circuitry 16 may be coupled such that at least one sensor circuit 30, 32, 34, 36 is positioned on either side of the relevant joint. For example, in embodiments wherein the garment is embodied as an ankle-covering garment, the sensor circuits 30, 34 may be coupled to a superior half of the ankle-covering garment while sensor circuits 32, 36 are coupled to an inferior half of the ankle-covering garment. Similarly, in embodiments wherein the garment is embodied as an elbow-covering garment, the sensor circuits 30, 34 may be coupled to a superior half of the elbow-covering garment while sensor circuits 32, 36 are coupled to an inferior half of the elbow-covering garment. In embodiments wherein the garment is embodied as a wrist-covering garment, the sensor circuits 30, 34 may be coupled to a superior half of the wrist-covering garment while sensor circuits 32, 36 are coupled to an inferior half of the wrist-covering garment as defined by a plane bisecting the wrist joint of the patient when the glove is worn. Additionally, in embodiments wherein the garment is embodied as a shoulder- and/or back-covering garment, the sensor circuits 30, 34 may be coupled to a superior half of the garment while sensor circuits 32, 36 are coupled to an inferior half of the garment as defined by a plane bisecting any one of the joints of the patient's spine and/or shoulder joint. Further, in embodiments wherein the garment is embodied as a hip-covering garment, the sensor circuits 30, 34 may be coupled to a superior half of the hip-covering garment while sensor circuits 32, 36 are coupled to an inferior half of the hip-covering garment as defined by a plane bisecting the hip joint of the patient when the shorts are worn by the patient.
While the disclosure has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such an illustration and description is to be considered as exemplary and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only illustrative embodiments have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the disclosure are desired to be protected.
There are a plurality of advantages of the present disclosure arising from the various features of the apparatus, system, and method described herein. It will be noted that alternative embodiments of the apparatus, system, and method of the present disclosure may not include all of the features described yet still benefit from at least some of the advantages of such features. Those of ordinary skill in the art may readily devise their own implementations of the apparatus, system, and method that incorporate one or more of the features of the present invention and fall within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
