TESTING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR USE ON SOFT TISSUE

摘要

A device and method processing the health and/or characteristics of a soft tissue are described. The device and method are particularly well suited to cartilage. A testing device is provided with an indenter (50), a monitor (51, 52) for monitoring the recovery of the surface and underlying matrix. The indenter is connected to a processor (53, 54, 58) for receiving the information and assessing the health of cartilage based on a hybrid recovery index or other characteristics. The result may be shown in a visible indicator (55, 56, 57). The device may further incorporate monitors for assessing stretch characteristics of the surface. The monitors may also be an ultrasound monitor and/or a mere infrared monitor. The ultrasound may detect echoes for establishing a coefficient of reflectants between the surface layer and osteochondral junctions. The ultrasound may also be used for providing a profile of the soft tissue. Diffuse reflectants near infrared spectroscopy may also be used to provide information on health of the tissue.