Abstract:
This invention is an articular cartilage evaluator (110) for determining the index of structural integrity of articular cartilage. This computer based system measures deformation or reaction force of articular cartilage through closed loop control of a testing tip (122) and allows the measurement of peak force, stress relaxation behavior or creep behavior in vivo and in situ. The evaluator (110) also allows the calibration of the tissue's material properties. A calibrator (300) is also provided for calibrating the evaluator and removing a replaceable tip assembly (123).
Abstract:
An arthroscopic indenter (10) for measuring creep deformation behavior, stress relaxation behavior and thickness of cartilage in vivo and in situ. A computer-based system (76) measures deformation or force information upon cartilage and processes that information for closed-loop control of an indenter tip (66) while also calculating intrinsic properties associated with the cartilage such as stiffness, compressibility and/or permeability.
Abstract:
An arthroscopic indenter (10) for measuring creep deformation behavior, stress relaxation behavior and thickness of cartilage in vivo and in situ. A computer-based system (76) measures deformation or force information upon cartilage and processes that information for closed-loop control of an indenter tip (66) while also calculating intrinsic properties associated with the cartilage such as stiffness, compressibility and/or permeability.
Abstract:
This invention is an articular cartilage evaluator (110) for determining the index of structural integrity of articular cartilage. This computer based system measures deformation or reaction force of articular cartilage through closed loop control of a testing tip (122) and allows the measurement of peak force, stress relaxation behavior or creep behavior in vivo and in situ. The evaluator (110) also allows the calibration of the tissue's material properties. A calibrator (300) is also provided for calibrating the evaluator and removing a replaceable tip assembly (123).