ASSESSING THE CONDITION OF A JOINT AND PREVENTING DAMAGE

摘要

Methods are disclosed for assessing the condition of a cartilage in a joint, particularly a human knee. The methods include converting an image such as a n MRI to a three dimensional map of the cartilage. The cartilage map is then correlated to a movement pattern of the joint to assess the affect of moveme nt on cartilage wear. Reference markers useful in obtaining internal images of the cartilage and bone and external images of the limbs in a motion are described. The markers aid in correlating the various images. Changes in the thickness of cartilage over time can be determined so that therapies can be provided.