STEREOTACTIC FRAME FOR LIMBS

Abstract

The present invention is related to a stereotaxic frame for extremities that ensures that the extremity position is fixed and reproducible; keeping the same geometric conditions of the measurement or treatment devices regards the extremity, or part thereof, during the study or therapy. The frame comprises a positioning and fixing holder for the extremity and a measuring or treatment system, that includes a geometric locus where the measurement or treatment device is allocated, ensuring that the relative position of said device regards the region of the extremity under examination or treatment is reproducible.

Claims

1. Stereotaxic frame for extremities comprising a positioning and fixing holder of the extremity and a measurement or treatment system, comprising at least a measurement or treatment device, located at a geometrical locus that guarantee that the relative position of said device respect to the region of the extremity under exam or treatment is reproducible.

2. The stereotaxic frame of claim 1 wherein the reproducibility of the relative position of the measurement or treatment device, respect to the region under exam or treatment, is achieved by fixing only two variables as maximum.

3. The stereotaxic frame of claim 1 wherein the positioning and fixing holder of the extremity and the measurement or treatment system are located on a base.

4. The stereotaxic frame of claim 1 wherein the measurement or treatment system comprises: i) the geometrical locus, wherein the measurement or treatment device is located, ii) adjustment elements that allow that the geometrical locus rotate around an axis, iii) reference system, iv) the system for signaling and register of the relative position of the measurement or treatment device on the geometrical locus, and v) at least one measurement or treatment device.

5. The stereotaxic frame of claim 4 wherein the positioning and fixing holder of the extremity comprises a vertical movement or elevation device of the extremity under exam.

6. The stereotaxic frame of claim 5 wherein the geometrical locus where the measurement or treatment device is located is an arc.

7. The stereotaxic frame of claim 6 wherein the angle of rotation of the arc around the axis is recorded in a scale.

8. The stereotaxic frame of claim 1 wherein the extremity under exam or treatment is an upper or lower extremity.

9. The stereotaxic frame of claim 4 wherein the information registered with the measurement device is digital.

10. The stereotaxic frame of claim 4 wherein the measurement device comprises at least one sensor.

11. Method for the study of extremities comprising the use of the stereotaxic frame of claim 1.

12. Method for the treatment of extremities comprising the use of the stereotaxic frame of claim 1.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0024] FIG. 1. General scheme of the stereotaxic frame.

[0025] FIG. 2. Isometric view of one embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Examples

[0026] To achieve a better understanding of the invention, without being limited thereto, in FIG. 1 the main elements of the stereotaxic frame for extremities are indicated: 1. Measuring or treatment device, 2. Geometric locus that ensures the reproducibility of the relative position of the measuring or treatment device in relation to the region under examination or treatment, only fixing two variables, 3. and 4. Extremity under study and/or treatment. 5. Positioning and fixing system for the extremity under study and/or treatment, 6. Reference system for localization of the extremity under study and/or treatment in the correct position. 7. Symmetry axis around which rotates the locus of all the points equidistant from the region to study and/or treat. Similarly, if the upper extremity is studied it is only necessary to couple the proper holder to the positioning and fixing system.

[0027] To use the frame of the invention, for example, the individual lying face up (supine position) on the examination table put the leg in the system of positioning and fixing (5), which is suitably fixed to prevent inadvertent movements of the member. The device (or devices) for measuring or treatment (1) is positioned on the geometric locus (2), and it can be moved in it, if needed. The displacement of the measuring or treatment device around the geometric locus (2) is recorded on a scale incorporated therein. Furthermore, the geometric locus (2) can rotate around the axis (7), as appropriate, to display the portion of the limb to evaluate or treat. Similarly, if the upper extremity is studied, the proper receptacle is coupled to the positioning and fixing holder (5).

[0028] In FIG. 2, in an isometric view, the main parts of a stereotaxic frame for extremity studies are indicated. Said frame is an embodiment of the present invention. The person lying face up (supine position) on the examining table places his extremity in the positioning and fixing system (5), which is suitably fixed to prevent unintentional movement. The stereotaxic frame of the invention has a vertical movement or elevation device (11), to ensure adequate, comfortable and reproducible position of the limb under examination and/or treatment. In FIG. 2, a reference system suitably positioned for locating the position of the extremity under study or treatment is represented by (6). In the case of this embodiment, the reference system are led diodes as luminous markers. The sensor or sensors represented by (1) is placed on the geometric locus (2), which in this embodiment of the invention is an arc that ensures that the sensors are equidistant from the region under examination. The sensor or sensors can be moved through the arc (2), as convenient. The displacement of sensor or sensors around the arc (2) is recorded on a scale incorporated in said arc. With the adjustment elements denoted like (8) the position of the arc is released or fixed (2), in its rotation around the axis (7). The arc (2) can rotate around the axis (7), as appropriate, to situate the part of the limb to be evaluated. The arc rotation angle (2) around the axis (7) is recorded on a scale, present in the element denoted as (9). All parts and elements described above are fixed to the base (10). Similarly, if the upper extremity is under study the proper attachment is coupled to the holder for positioning and fixing (5). Once the limb under study, the position of the arc (2) with respect to the axis (7), and the place on the arc (2) where the sensor or sensors will be located, are in a proper position, the measurement object of the limb study is conducted.

[0029] Similarly, to use the frame of the invention in the treatment of a limb condition, once that: the extremity position, the wanted arc (2) position respect to the axis (7), and the place on the arc (2) where the element for therapy will be situated has been secure the therapy required for the treatment of the extremity is applied.