Craniosynostosis detection system

摘要

A craniosynostosis detection system is disclosed that may comprise a movement detection apparatus configured to detect movement in a surface of the scalp of the patient along areas between bones of the skull when at least a portion of the movement detection apparatus is positioned adjacent to the surface of the scalp. The movement detection apparatus may generate a signal corresponding to movement detected by the movement detection apparatus. A signal processing apparatus may be operatively connected to the movement detection apparatus and configured to receive the movement signal from the movement detection apparatus. A data display apparatus may be operatively connected to the signal processing apparatus and configured to display a representation of movement detected by the movement detection apparatus. The absence of movement of the scalp over the sutures, which correspond to the brain pulsations, is diagnostic of craniosynostosis.

主权项

1. A system for detecting cranial bone movements useful in the diagnosis of craniosynostosis, the system comprising:
a movement detection apparatus configured to detect movement in a surface of the scalp of a patient along areas between bones of the skull when at least a portion of the movement detection apparatus is positioned adjacent to the surface of the scalp, the movement detection apparatus being capable of generating a signal corresponding to movement detected by the movement detection apparatus; a signal processing apparatus operatively connected to the movement detection apparatus and configured to receive the movement signal from the movement detection apparatus; and a data display apparatus operatively connected to the signal processing apparatus and configured to display a representation of movement detected by the movement detection apparatus; wherein the movement detection apparatus comprises a support for positioning adjacent to the scalp of the patient and a flexible membrane mounted on the support such that an outward surface is exposed to directly contact the surface of the scalp to facilitate transmission of movement of the surface of the scalp to the membrane; wherein the movement detection apparatus is configured to be held by a hand of a user to maintain contact between the outward surface of the membrane of the movement detection apparatus and the surface of the scalp; and wherein the support comprises at least two substantially rigid support portions, the at least two support portions having free ends forming mounting points for the membrane for resting against portions of the patient's scalp located over the bones of the skull, the mounting points being spaced from each other to form a gap of fixed width across which the membrane is suspended free of the support to permit free movement of the membrane with a portion of the patient's scalp over an area between the bones of the skull.