Method and device for treating osteoarthritis noninvasively

摘要

Methods and devices are provided for OA treatment of an affected area or joint. In one embodiment, the method may involve identifying a treatment site of the joint, and providing at least one transducer module at the treatment site. The at least one transducer module may be in operative communication with a signal generator module, and may include transducer(s) for delivering stimulative signals (e.g., electromagnetic signals and/or ultrasound signals). The method may also involve stimulating (a) bone remodeling, (b) bone cells and associated precursors, and/or (c) pericytes with the stimulative signals delivered to the treatment site.

主权项

1. A noninvasive method for treating osteoarthritis (OA) of an OA affected joint at the site of a junction between bones, comprising:
identifying a treatment site of the OA affected joint; providing at least one transducer module at the treatment site, the at least one transducer module being in operative communication with a signal generator module and comprising at least one transducer for delivering stimulative signals, the stimulative signals comprising at least ultrasound signals with a maximum intensity of about 100 milliwatts/cm2; stimulating bone remodeling at the joint with the stimulative signals delivered to the treatment site at a user-selected intensity for a user-selected time period by exciting the at least one transducer module with the signal generator module; repeating the providing and stimulating over time consistent with a treatment protocol; and alleviating, in response to the repeating, OA conditions at the OA affected joint; wherein the alleviating comprises alleviating venous congestion of cancellous bone at the affected joint.