摘要 |
<p>The present invention relates to a handheld, point-of-care device that uses non-hazardous low level ultrasound to quantitatively detect, monitor and supply, in real time, information on the status of bone fractures from inception to full healing. The device includes a plurality of transducers housed in the handheld unit or which can be extended from the handheld unit to be placed at or near the site of the bone fracture. A plurality of acoustic parameters of the transducers are selected to provide optimal detection and monitoring of fractures in bone. The information can be displayed as a numerical readout indicating the severity of the break and provides ability for indicating small stress and fatigue fractures. The portable device provides rapid and inexpensive detection and diagnosis of musculoskeletal problems using low level ultrasound which can measure bone density, determine fracture status and monitor healing rate.</p> |