METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DIAGNOSING BONE TISSUE CONDITIONS

摘要

Example methods and apparatus are disclosed for diagnosing or assisting a diagnosis of a bone tissue condition. A specimen associated with bone tissue suspected of being infected is irradiated using a monochromatic light source. The specimen may be irradiated in vivo or ex vivo, and/or within a growth medium. Light scattered during the irradiation is gathered and its Raman spectral content is determined to detect one or more pathological calcium phosphate minerals, such as brushite and uncarbonated apatite, resulting from a conversion of carbonated-apatite in the presence of bacteria.

主权项

1. A method for determining a condition of a bone tissue, the method comprising:
obtaining a specimen associated with bone tissue suspected of being infected; monitoring the specimen for formation of brushite or uncarbonated apatite; indicating a presence of infection in response to detection of brushite or uncarbonated apatite within the specimen.