Assessing the Condition of a Joint and Preventing Damage

Abstract

Methods are disclosed for assessing the condition of a cartilage in a joint, particularly a human knee. The methods include converting an image such as an MRI to a three dimensional map of the cartilage. The cartilage map can be correlated to a movement pattern of the joint to assess the affect of movement on cartilage wear. Changes in the thickness of cartilage over time can be determined so that therapies can be provided. Information on thickness of cartilage and curvature of cartilage or subchondral bone can be used to plan therapy. Information on movement pattern can be used to plan therapy.

1 . (canceled) 
     
     
         2 . A method of generating a biomechanical model using a computer system for evaluating a joint of a patient during movement, the method comprising:
 deriving from electronic image data of the joint of the patient information regarding articular morphology of the joint of the patient;   obtaining biomechanical data of the joint of the patient; and   merging the biomechanical data with the information to create the biomechanical model.   
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the biomechanical data includes an estimation of static loading alignment of the joint of the patient in standing or weight-bearing position. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the biomechanical data includes an estimation of alignment of the joint of the patient in lying or non-weight-bearing position. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the joint of the patient is a knee joint, wherein the biomechanical data includes gait analysis of the knee joint of the patient. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the biomechanical data includes motion analysis or movement patterns of the joint of the patient. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the biomechanical data is selected from a reference database that includes a compendium of demographic and motion analysis data obtained from various subjects. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the biomechanical data is selected based on an input avery that includes one or more characteristics selected from the group consisting of gender, age, height, weight, limb length, and type of activity desired. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the information regarding the articular morphology includes volumetric and biochemical parameters of articular cartilage. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , further including reconstructing the information regarding the articular cartilage morphology in three dimensions. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the biomechanical model allows for kinematic measurement of the joint of the patient. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the biomechanical model allows for examination of the articular morphology relative to functional load bearing areas of the joint of the patient measured during movement. 
     
     
         13 . A method of generating, in a computer system, a kinematic model of a knee joint of a patient, the method comprising:
 deriving from electronic image data of the knee joint of the patient information regarding articular morphology of the knee joint of the patient;   obtaining biomechanical data of the knee joint of the patient, wherein the biomechanical data includes functional load bearing areas of the knee joint measured in motion; and   merging the biomechanical data with the information to create the kinematic model.