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WO1997005825A1 - Instrument for measuring the rigidity of articular cartilage - Google Patents

Instrument for measuring the rigidity of articular cartilage Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1997005825A1
WO1997005825A1 PCT/ES1996/000154 ES9600154W WO9705825A1 WO 1997005825 A1 WO1997005825 A1 WO 1997005825A1 ES 9600154 W ES9600154 W ES 9600154W WO 9705825 A1 WO9705825 A1 WO 9705825A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
instrument
rigidity
measuring
cartilage
articular
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/ES1996/000154
Other languages
Spanish (es)
French (fr)
Inventor
Pedro Guillen Garcia
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Asociacion Instituto De Biomecanica De Valencia Y Fundacion Mapfre Medicina
Original Assignee
Asociacion Instituto De Biomecanica De Valencia Y Fundacion Mapfre Medicina
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Asociacion Instituto De Biomecanica De Valencia Y Fundacion Mapfre Medicina filed Critical Asociacion Instituto De Biomecanica De Valencia Y Fundacion Mapfre Medicina
Publication of WO1997005825A1 publication Critical patent/WO1997005825A1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/45—For evaluating or diagnosing the musculoskeletal system or teeth
    • A61B5/4514—Cartilage
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/0048—Detecting, measuring or recording by applying mechanical forces or stimuli
    • A61B5/0053—Detecting, measuring or recording by applying mechanical forces or stimuli by applying pressure, e.g. compression, indentation, palpation, grasping, gauging
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N3/00—Investigating strength properties of solid materials by application of mechanical stress
    • G01N3/40—Investigating hardness or rebound hardness
    • G01N3/42—Investigating hardness or rebound hardness by performing impressions under a steady load by indentors, e.g. sphere, pyramid
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/45—For evaluating or diagnosing the musculoskeletal system or teeth
    • A61B5/4528—Joints
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N2203/00—Investigating strength properties of solid materials by application of mechanical stress
    • G01N2203/0058—Kind of property studied
    • G01N2203/0089—Biorheological properties

Definitions

  • the present invention consists of an instrument for measuring the stiffness of articular cartilage, the type of which have means of processing two signals obtained from two trans ⁇ ductors, one of which provides a signal proportional to the force applied to the cartilage and the other a signal proportional to the sinking that occurs in said cartilage when the referred force is applied, so that the processing means obtain the value of the rigidity from these parameters.
  • the object of the invention is to enable the execution of the measurement of the stiffness of the articular cartilage by means of indentation techniques, of the type used in arthroscopy, damaging the patient as little as possible.
  • Another object of the invention is to provide a portable instrument for measuring cartilage stiffness, so that its handling is simplified and considerably facilitated.
  • the invention is characterized in that it has indentation means that include a housing for a carrier strap of the displacement or sinking transducer that the cartilage suffers.
  • It also includes support means for the indentation means, among which the force transducer is inserted so that when the pressure is applied to the cartilage, after the indentation is carried out, the displacement of the strip occurs, measuring the force and displacement. in the processing means, which obtain the value of stiffness.
  • the indentation means are determined by a hollow cylindrical body whose front end is closed and in proximity thereto has a hole or opening in one of whose edges has an orthogonal appendix whose tip constitutes the means to press on the cartilage.
  • the hollow cylindrical body is provided with a longitudinal opening diametrically opposed to the hole in which the strap is arranged.
  • the strap has at its end a bend that defines a small section that passes through the hole of the cylindrical body, so that said end is flush with that of the appendix.
  • the other end of the strap is fixed by a flange on the back of the longitudinal opening.
  • the displacement measurement transducer that undergoes strapping when pressing on the cartilage is determined by a gauge, which are the sensors used in extensometry, which forms a Wheatston bridge, together with three resistors located in the conditioning means. .
  • the force transducer is determined by an annular body equipped with four sensors that form a Wheatstone bridge.
  • the support means have a hollow cylinder in which the hollow cylindrical body of indentation is inserted and fixed.
  • the support means have a head in which the annular body, which constitutes the force transducer, is fixed, so that the hollow cylinder is inserted into the head through the annular body and fixed between them by interposing sectors, so that when the pressure in the appendix occurs it is transmitted to the annular sensor.
  • the head is attached to a hollow handle inside which the electronic means for conditioning the signals obtained in the transducers are housed.
  • the electronic signal conditioning means are located between two longitudinal frames whose assembly is fixed by two extreme discoidal parts, so that the extraction of the electronic means is enabled to allow sterilization of the rest of the elements, whereby the handle is its rear part includes a thread in which a plug is placed that constitutes the means of facilitating access for the extraction and introduction of electronic means.
  • the extreme discoid parts that constitute the means of joining the longitudinal frames and The plate that supports the electronic signal conditioning means has holes, one of which constitutes the means through which a connector that is positioned in the head emerges, while the other constitutes the means of the passage of a cable for connection to an isolation amplifier.
  • the isolation amplifier constitutes the means that allows the connection to a computer or a processing card of the signals obtained in the transducers and treated in the signal conditioning means.
  • the signal conditioning means are powered by rechargeable batteries so that the instrument together with the features already discussed above, is fully portable, for which it can be included in a case along with the battery charger, connection cables and amplifiers of isolation.
  • FIGURES Figure 1. Shows an exploded perspective view of the exploded view of the instrument for measuring the stiffness of the articular cartilage object of the invention.
  • Figure 2. Shows a view according to a longitudinal section of the assembled instrument assembly, except for the electronic means that are partially inserted.
  • Figure 3. It shows a partial and sectioned view of the detail of the arrangement of the strap on the indentation means as well as the location of the different elements in the head.
  • Figure 4.- Shows a view according to a longitudinal section of the indentation bar.
  • Figure 5. Shows a plan view of the previous figure.
  • Figure 6. Shows a section along the axis A-
  • Figure 7.- Shows a plan view of the strip in order to show the location of the sensor.
  • Figure 8.- Shows a side view of the strap of the previous figure.
  • Figure 9. Shows a view according to a longitudinal section of the cylindrical body that supports the indentation bar of Figures 4, 5 and 6.
  • Figures 10 and 11 show a view of the sectors through which the force transducer is coupled.
  • Figure 12. Shows a bottom plan view of the flange by means of which the strap is fixed on the cylindrical element 1.
  • Figure 13. Shows a sectional view along the axis C-C of the previous figure.
  • Figure 14.- Shows a view according to section D-D of the previous figure.
  • Figure 15.- Shows a view according to a longitudinal section of the head that supports the indentation means.
  • Figure 16.- Shows a view according to a section B-B of the previous figure.
  • Figure 17. Shows a view of the cap that is screwed to the head, this view being partially sectioned.
  • Figure 18. Shows a front view of one of the racks that support electronic media.
  • Figure 19. Shows a view according to section EE of the previous figure.
  • Figure 20. Shows a front view of the other frame that constitutes the means for holding the electronic means.
  • Figure 21 Shows a longitudinal section along the axis F-F of the previous figure.
  • Figure 22. It shows a front view of one of the discoid elements that provide the fixation of the longitudinal frames and the electronic means.
  • Figure 23. Shows a plan view of a portable case in which the instrument of the invention is included as well as the elements necessary for its operation.
  • Figure 24 Shows an example of the application of a measure of the stiffness of a cartilage.
  • the instrument for the measurement of the stiffness of the articular cartilage of the invention presents as a completely new feature, the fact of enabling the execution of said measure, without the need to open the area that precedes the cartilage that is desired
  • Check its status that is, it allows its use by means of the indentation technique in a way that allows to examine the mechanical properties of the entire articular surface and to represent the variations of these properties with the cartilage topography.
  • the equipment will be used mainly in arthroscopic examinations, which implies very restrictive design conditions.
  • the invention has an indentation bar that is constituted from a cylindrical body 1, one of whose ends is topped by a cap hemispherical 2 from which and in the lower area a hole 3 is provided which is flanked by an appendix 4 whose tip constitutes the means for pressing the cartilage, as will be described later.
  • the cylindrical body 1 is provided with a longitudinal opening 5 on which a strap 6 is located at the end of which a bend has been made that defines a small section 7 that passes through the hole 3, all so that the end of section 7 flush with the end of Appendix 4.
  • the fixing of the strip 6 is carried out through a flange 8 whose upper surface is semicircular and adapts perfectly to the cylindrical body 1, so that it is arranged as an extension thereof.
  • the flange 8 has a thread 9 in which a screw 10 is tightened through a hole 11 arranged in the cylindrical body, the flexible tongue 6 being perfectly retained.
  • a gauge or gauge 12 is included which together with three resistors constitutes a Wheatstone bridge, the functionality of which will be described later.
  • the cylindrical body 1 is housed and fixed in a hollow cylinder 13 in whose anterior and internal part it has a section 14 of larger diameter in which the cylindrical body 1 is housed and fixed.
  • the instrument of the invention has a head 15 in which the front part is provided with a thread 16 in which a cover 17 with a hole 18 is fixed through which the cylindrical body 13 is inserted inside the head fifteen.
  • the head 15 has a first zone 19 in which a force sensor is included which is determined by an annular body 20 through which the cylindrical body 13 runs, fixing it and the head 15, by interposing a sector 22 and 23 respectively whose location is shown in figures 2 and 3 and whose structure is represented in figures 10 and 11. Note that said sectors are arranged one on the inside of the annular body and another on the outside, so these have different curvatures.
  • the head 15 has the hole 24 and the cylindrical body 13 with the threaded hole 25.
  • the rear end of the cylindrical body 13 is located in the zone 26 of the head 15, in which It is fixed using a screw 27.
  • the head 15 has a zone 28 which after a step defines a zone 29 that constitutes the rear opening of the head, so that said step constitutes the means of locating a disk piece 32 which is fixed by means of the screws 33 in the holes 30 practiced in the head.
  • a handle 34 that is housed in the zone 29 of the head 15, in which it is fixed through the holes 31 by means of screws 35.
  • the handle 34 is constituted by a hollow cylindrical body in which a button 36 is included, the functionality of which will be described later.
  • the discoidal piece 40 has an opening
  • the frame 37 is provided with a groove 45 which is located in correspondence with the opening 43 of the disk piece 40, so that to make the introduction of the electronic circuit, said groove 45 must be placed in correspondence with the pushbutton 36, of so that this constitutes a means of guidance. when introducing the electronic circuit.
  • the transducers located in the strip and inside the head are related to a connector provided in the zone 28 of the head 15, and by means of the corresponding cables that run through the different cylindrical bodies.
  • the electronic circuit when the electronic circuit is introduced, and after being guided as already mentioned, the electronic circuit is connected through the corresponding connector with the force and displacement transducers.
  • the electronic circuit includes a power battery, so that when the connection is made correctly, an indicator light arranged on the handle 34 turns on.
  • connection cable of the electronic circuit to a computer or a processing card comes out, which processes the data obtained in the electronic circuit.
  • the end of the appendix 4 and the end of the section 7 of the strip 6 are placed on the cartilage to be explored and pressed on the cartilage (figure 24), whereby the end of the appendix 4 causes a sinking of the cartilage , so that the strip 6 undergoes a displacement produced by the sinking of the cartilage, which is detected by the sensor 12 that is part of the Wheatstone bridge included in the electronic circuit, so that it effects the conditioning of said signal for subsequent treatment or interpretation.
  • the pressure exerted on appendix 4 is transmitted along the entire cylindrical body 1 and from it passes to the cylindrical body 13, which presses on the annular body 20 constituting the force transducer, this signal being conditioned in the electronic circuit only included in the handle 34 of the device of the invention.
  • the conditioned signals can be sent to the processing card or to the computer through the isolation amplifier, which has not been represented as being evident.
  • the button 36 allows the equipment to be switched on and also set to zero which allows the various measures to be carried out in order to obtain the load-deformation curves of the cartilage.
  • the described device has the particularity that it is easily transportable, and manageable, so that it can easily be included and transported in a portable case 47 in which the isolation amplifier 46 is included, the assembly determined by the frames 37, 38 and the support 39 which includes the electronic signal adaptation circuit, the cover 48, a battery charger 49, and the network connection cables 50.

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Abstract

The instrument comprises processing means for measuring the force which is exerted on the cartilage and the collapse caused by said force, in order to obtain a value of the cartilage rigidity. It is characterized in that it is comprised of indentation means (1) including a housing for a metal strip (6) carrying the displacement transducer (12). It has support means (13, 15 and 34) for the indentation means, between which is arranged the force transducer (20) so that, when applying the force to the cartilage, once the indentation has been done, a displacement of the metal strip (6) takes place, and consequently the cartilage rigidity is obtained in the processing means. The instrument is also characterized in that it is portable.

Description

INSTRUMENTO PARA LA MEDICIÓN DE LA RIGIDEZ DEL CARTÍLAGO ARTICULAR. OBJETO DE LA INVENCIÓN INSTRUMENT FOR MEASURING THE RIGIDITY OF THE ARTICULAR CARTRIDGE. OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

La presente invención, tal y como se expresa en el enunciado de esta memoria descriptiva, consiste en un instrumento para la medida de la rigidez del cartílago articular, del tipo de los que cuentan con medios de procesado de dos señales obtenidas a partir de dos trans¬ ductores, uno de los cuales proporciona una señal propor- cional a la fuerza aplicada sobre el cartílago y otro una señal proporcional al hundimiento que se produce en dicho cartílago al aplicarse la referida fuerza, de manera que los medios de procesamiento obtienen el valor de la rigidez a partir de estos parámetros. Pues bien, la invención tiene por objeto facultar la ejecución de la medida de la rigidez del cartílago articular mediante técnicas de indentación, del tipo de la utilizada en las artroscopias, dañando en la menor medida posible al paciente. Otro objeto de la invención consiste en proporcionar un instrumento portátil para la medición de la rigidez del cartílago, de manera que se simplifica y facilita considerablemente su manejo.The present invention, as expressed in the statement of this specification, consists of an instrument for measuring the stiffness of articular cartilage, the type of which have means of processing two signals obtained from two trans ¬ ductors, one of which provides a signal proportional to the force applied to the cartilage and the other a signal proportional to the sinking that occurs in said cartilage when the referred force is applied, so that the processing means obtain the value of the rigidity from these parameters. Well, the object of the invention is to enable the execution of the measurement of the stiffness of the articular cartilage by means of indentation techniques, of the type used in arthroscopy, damaging the patient as little as possible. Another object of the invention is to provide a portable instrument for measuring cartilage stiffness, so that its handling is simplified and considerably facilitated.

ANTECEDENTES DE LA INVENCIÓN La degeneración del cartílago articular está asociada con cambios en las propiedades mecánicas del material, entre otros su rigidez. Dichas variaciones en rigidez se ven afectadas tanto por el envejecimiento del mismo como por procesos de tipo patológico o degenerativo. Por ello se han desarrollado un número de dispositivos que permiten obtener el valor de la rigidez del cartílago a partir de las curvas de carga-deformación del material, para diferentes condiciones de edad, desgaste y espesor. Todos estos dispositivos presentan el inconve- niente de que requieren que se faculte el acceso libre al cartílago, para lo que hay que abrir la zona correspondien¬ te en la que se ubica dicho cartílago, por lo que tras efectuar una medición de este tipo, es necesario coser la zona abierta.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The degeneration of articular cartilage is associated with changes in the mechanical properties of the material, among others its stiffness. Said variations in rigidity are affected both by its aging and by pathological or degenerative processes. Therefore, a number of devices have been developed that allow the cartilage stiffness value to be obtained from the load-deformation curves of the material, for different conditions of age, wear and thickness. All these devices have the inconve- niente that they require that free access to cartilage be granted, for which the corresponding area in which said cartilage is to be opened, so that after making such a measurement, it is necessary to sew the open area.

Además este tipo de dispositivos presentan un volumen considerable, lo que dificulta considerablemente su transporte, por lo que ha de ser el paciente el que ha de trasladarse hasta el lugar de ubicación del aparato de medida, lo que igualmente constituye un inconveniente.In addition, these types of devices have a considerable volume, which considerably hinders their transport, so it must be the patient who has to move to the location of the measuring device, which also constitutes an inconvenience.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE LA INVENCIÓN Para resolver los inconvenientes anteriormente indicados la invención se caracteriza porque cuenta con medios de indentación que incluyen un alojamiento para un fleje portador del transductor del desplazamiento o hundimiento que sufre el cartílago.DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In order to solve the aforementioned drawbacks, the invention is characterized in that it has indentation means that include a housing for a carrier strap of the displacement or sinking transducer that the cartilage suffers.

Además incluye medios de soporte de los medios de indentación, entre los que se intercala el transductor de fuerza de manera que al aplicar la presión sobre el cartílago , tras efectuar la indentación, se produce el desplazamiento del fleje, midiéndose la fuerza y desplaza¬ miento en los medios de procesado, los cuales obtienen el valor de la rigidez.It also includes support means for the indentation means, among which the force transducer is inserted so that when the pressure is applied to the cartilage, after the indentation is carried out, the displacement of the strip occurs, measuring the force and displacement. in the processing means, which obtain the value of stiffness.

Los medios de indentación están determinados por un cuerpo cilindrico hueco cuyo extremo anterior está cerrado y en proximidad al mismo cuenta con uno orificio o abertura en uno de cuyos bordes presenta un apéndice ortogonal cuya punta constituye el medio para presionar sobre el cartílago. El cuerpo cilindrico hueco está dotado de una abertura longitudinal diametralmente opuesta al orificio en la que se dispone el fleje. El fleje presenta en su extremo un acodamiento que define un pequeño tramo que pasa a través del orificio del cuerpo cilindrico, de manera que dicho extremo enrasa con el del apéndice. El otro extremo del fleje se fija mediante una brida en la parte posterior de la abertura longitudinal.The indentation means are determined by a hollow cylindrical body whose front end is closed and in proximity thereto has a hole or opening in one of whose edges has an orthogonal appendix whose tip constitutes the means to press on the cartilage. The hollow cylindrical body is provided with a longitudinal opening diametrically opposed to the hole in which the strap is arranged. The strap has at its end a bend that defines a small section that passes through the hole of the cylindrical body, so that said end is flush with that of the appendix. The other end of the strap is fixed by a flange on the back of the longitudinal opening.

El transductor de medida del desplazamiento que sufre fleje al presionar sobre el cartílago está determinado por una galga, que son los captadores utiliza¬ dos en extensometría, el cual forma un puente de Wheatsto- ne, junto con tres resistencias situadas en los medios de acondicionamiento.The displacement measurement transducer that undergoes strapping when pressing on the cartilage is determined by a gauge, which are the sensors used in extensometry, which forms a Wheatston bridge, together with three resistors located in the conditioning means. .

El transductor de fuerza está determinado por un cuerpo anular dotado de cuatro captadores que forman un puente de Wheatstone.The force transducer is determined by an annular body equipped with four sensors that form a Wheatstone bridge.

Por su lado los medios de soporte cuentan con un cilindro hueco en el que se inserta y fija el cuerpo cilindrico hueco de indentación. Además los medios de soporte cuentan con un cabezal en el que se fija el cuerpo anular, que constituye el transductor de fuerza, de manera que el cilindro hueco se introduce en el cabezal a través del cuerpo anular y se fijan entre ellos mediante la interposición de sectores, de manera que al producirse la presión en el apéndice ésta se transmite al sensor anular.On the other hand, the support means have a hollow cylinder in which the hollow cylindrical body of indentation is inserted and fixed. In addition, the support means have a head in which the annular body, which constitutes the force transducer, is fixed, so that the hollow cylinder is inserted into the head through the annular body and fixed between them by interposing sectors, so that when the pressure in the appendix occurs it is transmitted to the annular sensor.

El cabezal se une a un mango hueco en cuyo interior se alojan los medios electrónicos de acondiciona¬ miento de las señales obtenidas en los transductores. Los medios electrónicos de acondicionamiento de señales se sitúan entre dos bastidores longitudinales cuyo conjunto se fija mediante dos piezas discoidales extremas, de manera que se faculta la extracción de los medios electrónicos para permitir la esterilización del resto de los elementos, por lo que el mango en su parte posterior incluye un roscado en el que se sitúa un tapón que constituye el medio de facilitar el acceso para la extracción e introducción de los medios electrónicos.The head is attached to a hollow handle inside which the electronic means for conditioning the signals obtained in the transducers are housed. The electronic signal conditioning means are located between two longitudinal frames whose assembly is fixed by two extreme discoidal parts, so that the extraction of the electronic means is enabled to allow sterilization of the rest of the elements, whereby the handle is its rear part includes a thread in which a plug is placed that constitutes the means of facilitating access for the extraction and introduction of electronic means.

Las piezas discoidales extremas que constitu- yen los medios de unión de los bastidores longitudinales y la placa que soporta los medios electrónicos de acondicio¬ namiento de señales, presentan unos orificios, uno de los cuales constituye el medio a través del cual emerge un conector que se posiciona en el cabezal, en tanto que el otro constituye el medio del paso de un cable para conexión a un amplificador de aislamiento.The extreme discoid parts that constitute the means of joining the longitudinal frames and The plate that supports the electronic signal conditioning means has holes, one of which constitutes the means through which a connector that is positioned in the head emerges, while the other constitutes the means of the passage of a cable for connection to an isolation amplifier.

El amplificador de aislamiento constituye el medio que faculta la conexión a un ordenador o una tarjeta de procesado de las señales obtenidas en los transductores y tratadas en los medios de acondicionamiento de señales.The isolation amplifier constitutes the means that allows the connection to a computer or a processing card of the signals obtained in the transducers and treated in the signal conditioning means.

Los medios de acondicionamiento de señales se alimentan mediante baterías recargables de manera que el instrumento junto con las características ya comentadas anteriormente, es totalmente portátil, para lo que éste puede incluirse en un maletín junto con el cargador de batería, cables de conexión y amplificadores de aislamien¬ to.The signal conditioning means are powered by rechargeable batteries so that the instrument together with the features already discussed above, is fully portable, for which it can be included in a case along with the battery charger, connection cables and amplifiers of isolation.

A continuación para facilitar una mejor comprensión de esta memoria descriptiva y formando parte integrante de la misma, se acompañan una serie de figuras en las que con carácter ilustrativo y no limitativo se ha representado el objeto de la invención.Next, in order to facilitate a better understanding of this descriptive report and forming an integral part thereof, a series of figures are attached in which the object of the invention has been represented by way of illustration and not limitation.

BREVE ENUNCIADO DE LAS FIGURAS Figura 1.- Muestra una vista en perspectiva explosionada del despiece del instrumento para la medición de la rigidez del cartílago articular objeto de la inven¬ ción.BRIEF STATEMENT OF THE FIGURES Figure 1.- Shows an exploded perspective view of the exploded view of the instrument for measuring the stiffness of the articular cartilage object of the invention.

Figura 2.- Muestra una vista según una sección longitudinal del conjunto del instrumento montado, a excepción de los medios electrónicos que se encuentran parcialmente introducidos.Figure 2.- Shows a view according to a longitudinal section of the assembled instrument assembly, except for the electronic means that are partially inserted.

3.- Figura 3.- Muestra una vista parcial y seccionada del detalle de la disposición del fleje sobre los medios de indentación así como la ubicación de los distintos elementos en el cabezal. Figura 4.- Muestra una vista según una sección longitudinal de la barra de indentación.3.- Figure 3.- It shows a partial and sectioned view of the detail of the arrangement of the strap on the indentation means as well as the location of the different elements in the head. Figure 4.- Shows a view according to a longitudinal section of the indentation bar.

Figura 5.- Muestra una vista en planta de la figura anterior. Figura 6.- Muestra una sección según el eje A-Figure 5.- Shows a plan view of the previous figure. Figure 6.- Shows a section along the axis A-

A de la figura 4.A of Figure 4.

Figura 7.- Muestra una vista eñ planta del fleje al objeto de mostrar la ubicación del captador.Figure 7.- Shows a plan view of the strip in order to show the location of the sensor.

Figura 8.- Muestra una vista lateral del fleje de la figura anterior.Figure 8.- Shows a side view of the strap of the previous figure.

Figura 9.- Muestra una vista según una sección longitudinal del cuerpo cilindrico que soporta a la barra de indentación de las figuras 4, 5 y 6.Figure 9.- Shows a view according to a longitudinal section of the cylindrical body that supports the indentation bar of Figures 4, 5 and 6.

Las figuras 10 y 11 muestran una vista de los sectores a través de los cuales se efectúa el acople del transductor de fuerza.Figures 10 and 11 show a view of the sectors through which the force transducer is coupled.

Figura 12.- Muestra una vista en planta inferior de la brida mediante la cual se efectúa la fijación del fleje en el elemento cilindrico 1. Figura 13.- Muestra una vista seccionada según el eje C-C de la figura anterior.Figure 12.- Shows a bottom plan view of the flange by means of which the strap is fixed on the cylindrical element 1. Figure 13.- Shows a sectional view along the axis C-C of the previous figure.

Figura 14.- Muestra una vista según la sección D-D de la figura anterior.Figure 14.- Shows a view according to section D-D of the previous figure.

Figura 15.- Muestra una vista según una sección longitudinal del cabezal que soporta la medios de indentación.Figure 15.- Shows a view according to a longitudinal section of the head that supports the indentation means.

Figura 16.- Muestra una vista según una sección B-B de la figura anterior.Figure 16.- Shows a view according to a section B-B of the previous figure.

Figura 17.- Muestra una vista de la tapa que se enrosca al cabezal, estando esta vista parcialmente seccionada.Figure 17.- Shows a view of the cap that is screwed to the head, this view being partially sectioned.

Figura 18.- Muestra una vista frontal de uno de los bastidores que soportan los medios electrónicos .Figure 18.- Shows a front view of one of the racks that support electronic media.

Figura 19.- Muestra una vista según la sección E-E de la figura anterior. Figura 20.- Muestra una vista frontal del otro bastidor que constituye el medio de sujeción de los medios electrónicos.Figure 19.- Shows a view according to section EE of the previous figure. Figure 20.- Shows a front view of the other frame that constitutes the means for holding the electronic means.

Figura 21.- Muestra una sección longitudinal según el eje F-F de la figura anterior.Figure 21.- Shows a longitudinal section along the axis F-F of the previous figure.

Figura 22.- Muestra una vista frontal de uno de los elementos discoidales que proporcionan la fijación de los bastidores longitudinales y de los medios electróni¬ cos. Figura 23.- Muestra una vista en planta de un maletín portátil en el que se incluye el instrumento de la invención así como los elementos necesarios para su funcionamiento.Figure 22.- It shows a front view of one of the discoid elements that provide the fixation of the longitudinal frames and the electronic means. Figure 23.- Shows a plan view of a portable case in which the instrument of the invention is included as well as the elements necessary for its operation.

Figura 24.- Muestra un ejemplo de aplicación de una medida de la rigidez de un cartílago.Figure 24.- Shows an example of the application of a measure of the stiffness of a cartilage.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE UN EJEMPLO DE REALIZACIÓN DE LA INVENCIÓN A continuación se realiza una descripción de la invención basada en las figuras anteriormente comenta¬ das. El instrumento para la medición de la rigidez del cartílago articular de la invención, presenta como característica totalmente novedosa, el hecho de facultar la ejecución de la referida medida, sin necesidad de que se tenga que abrir la zona que se antepone al cartílago que se desea comprobar su estado, es decir, faculta su uso mediante la técnica de indentación de manera que permite examinar las propiedades mecánicas de toda la superficie articular y representar las variaciones de estas propieda¬ des con la topografía del cartílago. El equipo se va a emplear principalmente en exploraciones artroscópicas, lo que implica unas condiciones de diseño muy restrictivas.DESCRIPTION OF AN EXAMPLE OF EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION Below is a description of the invention based on the figures mentioned above. The instrument for the measurement of the stiffness of the articular cartilage of the invention, presents as a completely new feature, the fact of enabling the execution of said measure, without the need to open the area that precedes the cartilage that is desired Check its status, that is, it allows its use by means of the indentation technique in a way that allows to examine the mechanical properties of the entire articular surface and to represent the variations of these properties with the cartilage topography. The equipment will be used mainly in arthroscopic examinations, which implies very restrictive design conditions.

Para conseguir los objetivos anteriormente comentados, la invención cuenta con una barra de indenta¬ ción que se constituye a partir de un cuerpo cilindrico 1, uno de cuyos extremos se encuentra rematado por un casquete semiesférico 2 a partir del cual y en la zona inferior se ha previsto un orificio 3 que es flanqueado por un apéndice 4 cuya punta constituye el medio para presionar el cartíla¬ go, tal y como será descrito posteriormente. Además, el cuerpo cilindrico 1 está dotado de una abertura longitudinal 5 sobre la que se sitúa un fleje 6 en cuyo extremo se ha practicado un acodamiento que define un pequeño tramo 7 que pasa a través del orificio 3, todo ello de manera que el extremo del tramo 7 enrasa con el extremo del apéndice 4.In order to achieve the aforementioned objectives, the invention has an indentation bar that is constituted from a cylindrical body 1, one of whose ends is topped by a cap hemispherical 2 from which and in the lower area a hole 3 is provided which is flanked by an appendix 4 whose tip constitutes the means for pressing the cartilage, as will be described later. In addition, the cylindrical body 1 is provided with a longitudinal opening 5 on which a strap 6 is located at the end of which a bend has been made that defines a small section 7 that passes through the hole 3, all so that the end of section 7 flush with the end of Appendix 4.

La fijación del fleje 6 se realiza a través de una brida 8 cuya superficie superior es semicircular y se adapta perfectamente al cuerpo cilindrico 1, de manera que queda dispuesta como prolongación del mismo. La brida 8 cuenta con un roscado 9 en el que se aprieta un tornillo 10 que atraviesa un orificio 11 dispuesto en el cuerpo cilindrico, quedando la lengüeta flexible 6 perfectamente retenida.The fixing of the strip 6 is carried out through a flange 8 whose upper surface is semicircular and adapts perfectly to the cylindrical body 1, so that it is arranged as an extension thereof. The flange 8 has a thread 9 in which a screw 10 is tightened through a hole 11 arranged in the cylindrical body, the flexible tongue 6 being perfectly retained.

Sobre la lengüeta 6 se incluye una galga o captador 12 que junto con tres resistencias constituye un puente de Wheatstone, cuya funcionalidad será descrita posteriormente.On the tongue 6 a gauge or gauge 12 is included which together with three resistors constitutes a Wheatstone bridge, the functionality of which will be described later.

El cuerpo cilindrico 1 se aloja y fija en un cilindro hueco 13 en cuya parte anterior e interiormente presenta un tramo 14 de mayor diámetro en el que se aloja y fija el cuerpo cilindrico 1.The cylindrical body 1 is housed and fixed in a hollow cylinder 13 in whose anterior and internal part it has a section 14 of larger diameter in which the cylindrical body 1 is housed and fixed.

Además, el instrumento de la invención cuenta con un cabezal 15 en cuya parte anterior está dotado de un roscado 16 en el que se fija una tapa 17 dotada de un orificio 18 a través del cual se introduce el cuerpo cilindrico 13 en el interior del cabezal 15.In addition, the instrument of the invention has a head 15 in which the front part is provided with a thread 16 in which a cover 17 with a hole 18 is fixed through which the cylindrical body 13 is inserted inside the head fifteen.

El cabezal 15 cuenta con una primera zona 19 en la que se incluye un sensor de fuerza que está determi¬ nado por un cuerpo anular 20 a través del cual discurre el cuerpo cilindrico 13, fijándose a éste y al cabezal 15, mediante la interposición de un sector 22 y 23 respectiva¬ mente cuya ubicación se muestra en las figuras 2 y 3 y cuya estructura se representa en las figuras 10 y 11. Obsérvese que dichos sectores se disponen uno por la parte interior del cuerpo anular y otro por la exterior, por lo que estos presentan diferentes curvaturas.The head 15 has a first zone 19 in which a force sensor is included which is determined by an annular body 20 through which the cylindrical body 13 runs, fixing it and the head 15, by interposing a sector 22 and 23 respectively whose location is shown in figures 2 and 3 and whose structure is represented in figures 10 and 11. Note that said sectors are arranged one on the inside of the annular body and another on the outside, so these have different curvatures.

Para permitir el paso y fijación de los tornillos 21, el cabezal 15 cuenta con el orificio 24 y el cuerpo cilindrico 13 con el orificio roscado 25. El extremo posterior del cuerpo cilindrico 13 queda ubicado en la zona 26 del cabezal 15, en la que se fija mediante un tornillo 27.To allow the passage and fixation of the screws 21, the head 15 has the hole 24 and the cylindrical body 13 with the threaded hole 25. The rear end of the cylindrical body 13 is located in the zone 26 of the head 15, in which It is fixed using a screw 27.

El cabezal 15 cuenta con una zona 28 que tras un escalonamiento define una zona 29 que constituye la abertura posterior del cabezal, de manera que dicho escalonamiento constituye el medio de ubicación de una pieza discoidal 32 que se fija mediante los tornillos 33 en los orificios 30 practicados en el cabezal.The head 15 has a zone 28 which after a step defines a zone 29 that constitutes the rear opening of the head, so that said step constitutes the means of locating a disk piece 32 which is fixed by means of the screws 33 in the holes 30 practiced in the head.

Otro de los elementos que constituyen el instrumento de la invención, viene determinado por un mango 34 que se aloja en la zona 29 del cabezal 15, en la que se fija a través de los orificios 31 mediante unos tornillos 35.Another of the elements that constitute the instrument of the invention is determined by a handle 34 that is housed in the zone 29 of the head 15, in which it is fixed through the holes 31 by means of screws 35.

El mango 34 está constituido por un cuerpo cilindrico hueco en el que se incluye un pulsador 36, cuya funcionalidad será descrita posteriormente.The handle 34 is constituted by a hollow cylindrical body in which a button 36 is included, the functionality of which will be described later.

En el interior del mango 34 se aloja un circuito electrónico que se soporta mediante dos bastidores acanalados 37 y 38 entre los que se intercala un soporte 39, uniéndose estos elementos por sus extremos mediante unas piezas discoidales 40 y 41 a través de los correspon¬ dientes tornillos 42.Inside the handle 34 an electronic circuit is housed that is supported by two corrugated frames 37 and 38 between which a support 39 is intercalated, these elements joining at their ends by means of discoidal pieces 40 and 41 through the corresponding screws 42.

En el soporte 39 se incluye un circuito electrónico cuya funcionalidad será descrita posteriormen- te. La pieza discoidal 40 cuenta con una aberturaAn electronic circuit is included in the support 39 whose functionality will be described later. The discoidal piece 40 has an opening

43 y con un orificio central 44 a través del cual sale- al exterior el conector del circuito electrónico con el transductor de fuerza y con el transductor de desplaza- miento dispuesto en el fleje 6.43 and with a central hole 44 through which the connector of the electronic circuit with the force transducer and with the displacement transducer disposed in the strip 6 exits outside.

El bastidor 37 está dotado de una ranura 45 que queda ubicada en correspondencia con la abertura 43 de la pieza discoidal 40, de manera que para hacer la in¬ serción del circuito electrónico, dicha ranura 45 debe situarse en correspondencia con el pulsador 36, de manera que éste constituye un medio de guiado . a la hora de introducir el circuito electrónico.The frame 37 is provided with a groove 45 which is located in correspondence with the opening 43 of the disk piece 40, so that to make the introduction of the electronic circuit, said groove 45 must be placed in correspondence with the pushbutton 36, of so that this constitutes a means of guidance. when introducing the electronic circuit.

Los transductores situados en el fleje y en el interior del cabezal, se relacionan con un conector previsto en la zona 28 del cabezal 15, y mediante los correspondientes cables que discurren a través de los distintos cuerpos cilindricos.The transducers located in the strip and inside the head, are related to a connector provided in the zone 28 of the head 15, and by means of the corresponding cables that run through the different cylindrical bodies.

De esta manera, al efectuarse la introducción del circuito electrónico, y tras guiarse como ya fue comentado, se efectúa la conexión del circuito electrónico a través del correspondiente conector con los transductores de fuerza y desplazamiento.Thus, when the electronic circuit is introduced, and after being guided as already mentioned, the electronic circuit is connected through the corresponding connector with the force and displacement transducers.

El circuito electrónico incluye una batería de alimentación, de manera que al efectuarse la conexión correctamente, se enciende una luz de indicación dispuesta en el mango 34.The electronic circuit includes a power battery, so that when the connection is made correctly, an indicator light arranged on the handle 34 turns on.

Una vez introducido el circuito electrónico en el interior del mango 34, éste se obtura mediante un tapónOnce the electronic circuit has been inserted inside the handle 34, it is sealed by a plug

48 a través del cual sale el cable de conexión del circuito electrónico a un ordenador o una tarjeta de procesamiento, que procesa los datos obtenidos en el circuito electrónico.48 through which the connection cable of the electronic circuit to a computer or a processing card comes out, which processes the data obtained in the electronic circuit.

En este punto cabe indicar que la conexión del circuito electrónico al ordenador o tarjeta de procesamien¬ to, se realiza mediante un amplificador de aislamiento 46. A continuación se realiza la descripción del funcionamiento del instrumento de la invención.At this point it should be noted that the connection of the electronic circuit to the computer or processing card is made by means of an isolation amplifier 46. Next, the description of the operation of the instrument of the invention.

Para efectuar la indentación, se sitúa el extremo del apéndice 4 y el extremo del tramo 7 del fleje 6, sobre el cartílago a explorar y se presiona sobre el cartílago (figura 24) con lo que él extremo del apéndice 4 produce un hundimiento del cartílago, de manera que el fleje 6 sufre un desplazamiento producido por el hundimien¬ to del cartílago, lo cual es detectado por el captador 12 que forma parte del puente de Wheatstone incluido en el circuito electrónico, de manera que éste efectúa el acondicionamiento de dicha señal para su posterior trata¬ miento o interpretación.In order to carry out the indentation, the end of the appendix 4 and the end of the section 7 of the strip 6 are placed on the cartilage to be explored and pressed on the cartilage (figure 24), whereby the end of the appendix 4 causes a sinking of the cartilage , so that the strip 6 undergoes a displacement produced by the sinking of the cartilage, which is detected by the sensor 12 that is part of the Wheatstone bridge included in the electronic circuit, so that it effects the conditioning of said signal for subsequent treatment or interpretation.

La presión ejercida sobre el apéndice 4 se transmite a lo largo de todo el cuerpo cilindrico 1 y de éste pasa al cuerpo cilindrico 13, el cual presiona sobre el cuerpo anular 20 que constituye el transductor de fuerza, acondicionándose esta señal en el circuito electró¬ nico incluido en el mango 34 del dispositivo de la inven¬ ción. Las señales acondicionadas pueden ser enviadas a la tarjeta de procesamiento o al ordenador a través del amplificador de aislamiento, lo cual no se ha representado por ser evidente.The pressure exerted on appendix 4 is transmitted along the entire cylindrical body 1 and from it passes to the cylindrical body 13, which presses on the annular body 20 constituting the force transducer, this signal being conditioned in the electronic circuit only included in the handle 34 of the device of the invention. The conditioned signals can be sent to the processing card or to the computer through the isolation amplifier, which has not been represented as being evident.

El pulsador 36 permite el encendido del equipo y además la puesta a cero que permite realizar las distin¬ tas medidas para poder obtener las curvas de carga-deforma¬ ción del cartílago.The button 36 allows the equipment to be switched on and also set to zero which allows the various measures to be carried out in order to obtain the load-deformation curves of the cartilage.

El hecho de que el circuito electrónico ubicado en el interior del mango 34, pueda ser extraíble, es debido a que se requiere realizar la esterilización del instrumento, para lo que se introduce todo el dispositivo en un autoclave que alcanza temperaturas de 1302, circuns¬ tancia que la electrónica no soporta, por lo que es necesario que pueda extraerse. De lo dicho, es evidente que tanto los transductores como el cableado hasta el conector son adecuados para poderse someter al proceso de esterili¬ zación.The fact that the electronic circuit located inside the handle 34, can be removable, is due to the fact that sterilization of the instrument is required, for which the entire device is introduced in an autoclave that reaches temperatures of 1302, circums¬ so that the electronics do not support, so it is necessary that it can be extracted. From the above, it is evident that both the transducers and the wiring to the connector They are suitable for being able to undergo the sterilization process.

El dispositivo descrito, presenta la particu¬ laridad de que es fácilmente transportable, y manejable, por lo que puede incluirse y transportarse fácilmente en un maletín portátil 47 en el que se incluye el amplificador de aislamiento 46 el conjunto determinado por los bastidores 37, 38 y el soporte 39 que incluye el circuito electrónico de adaptación de las señales, la tapa 48, un cargador de baterías 49, y los cables de conexión a la red 50. The described device has the particularity that it is easily transportable, and manageable, so that it can easily be included and transported in a portable case 47 in which the isolation amplifier 46 is included, the assembly determined by the frames 37, 38 and the support 39 which includes the electronic signal adaptation circuit, the cover 48, a battery charger 49, and the network connection cables 50.

Claims

REIVINDICACIONES 1.- INSTRUMENTO PARA LA MEDICIÓN DE LA RIGIDEZ DEL CARTÍLAGO ARTICULAR, del tipo de los que cuentan con medios de procesado de dos señales obtenidas a partir de dos transductores, uno para medir una fuerza aplicada sobre el cartílago y otro para medir el hundimiento o desplaza¬ miento que se produce en el cartílago al aplicar la fuerza; esencialmente se caracteriza porque cuenta con medios de indentación que incluyen un alojamiento para un fleje portador del transductor del desplazamiento o hundimiento;1.- INSTRUMENT FOR THE MEASUREMENT OF THE RIGIDITY OF THE ARTICULAR CARTRIDGE, of the type that have means of processing two signals obtained from two transducers, one to measure a force applied on the cartilage and another to measure the sinking or displacement that occurs in the cartilage when force is applied; It is essentially characterized in that it has indentation means that include a housing for a carrier strap of the displacement or sinking transducer; Contando además con medios de soporte de los medios de indentación entre los que se intercala el transductor de fuerza, de manera que al aplicar la presión sobre el cartílago, tras efectuar la indentación, se produce el desplazamiento del fleje, permitiéndose medir la fuerza ejercida y el desplazamiento obtenido, de manera que en los medios de procesado se obtiene el valor de la rigidez del cartílago.Counting in addition with support means of the indentation means between which the force transducer is inserted, so that when applying the pressure on the cartilage, after carrying out the indentation, the displacement of the strip occurs, allowing to measure the force exerted and the displacement obtained, so that the cartilage stiffness value is obtained in the processing means. 2.- INSTRUMENTO PARA LA MEDICIÓN DE LA RIGIDEZ DEL CARTÍLAGO ARTICULAR, según reivindicación 1, caracte¬ rizado porque los medios de indentación están determinados por un cuerpo cilindrico hueco cuyo extremo anterior está cerrado y en proximidad al mismo cuenta con un orificio (3) en uno de cuyos bordes presenta un apéndice (4) cuya punta constituye el medio para presionar sobre el cartílago; habiéndose previsto que el cuerpo cilindrico hueco (1) permita la sujeción del fleje (6)2.- INSTRUMENT FOR MEASURING THE RIGIDITY OF THE ARTICULAR CARTRIDGE, according to claim 1, characterized in that the indentation means are determined by a hollow cylindrical body whose front end is closed and in proximity to it has a hole (3) in one of whose edges it presents an appendix (4) whose tip constitutes the means to press on the cartilage; having provided that the hollow cylindrical body (1) allows the fastening of the strap (6) 3.- INSTRUMENTO PARA LA MEDICIÓN DE LA RIGIDEZ DEL CARTÍLAGO ARTICULAR, según reivindicaciones anteriores, caracterizado porgue el fleje (6) presenta en su extremo un acodamiento que define un pequeño tramo (7), que pasa a través del orificio (3) del cuerpo cilindrico (1), cuyo extremo enrasa con el del apéndice, y cuyo otro extremo se fija mediante una brida (8) en el cuerpo cilindrico. 3.- INSTRUMENT FOR MEASURING THE RIGIDITY OF THE ARTICULAR CARTRIDGE, according to previous claims, characterized in that the strap (6) has at its end a bend that defines a small section (7), which passes through the hole (3) of the cylindrical body (1), whose end flush with that of the appendix, and whose other end is fixed by a flange (8) on the cylindrical body. 4.- INSTRUMENTO PARA LA MEDICIÓN DE LA RIGIDEZ DEL CARTÍLAGO ARTICULAR, según reivindicación 1, caracteri¬ zado porque el transductor de medida del desplazamiento o hundimiento del cartílago, está determinado por un sensor (12) (galga) que forma un puente de Wheatstone junto con tres resistencias ubicadas en los medios de soporte.4.- INSTRUMENT FOR THE MEASUREMENT OF RIGIDITY OF THE ARTICULAR CARTRIDGE, according to claim 1, characterized in that the transducer measuring the displacement or sinking of the cartilage, is determined by a sensor (12) (gauge) that forms a Wheatstone bridge together with three resistors located in the support means . 5.- INSTRUMENTO PARA LA MEDICIÓN DE LA RIGIDEZ DEL CARTÍLAGO ARTICULAR, según reivindicación 1, caracteri¬ zado porque el transductor de fuerza está dotado de cuatro sensores que forman un puente de Wheatstone. 5.- INSTRUMENT FOR MEASURING THE RIGIDITY OF THE ARTICULAR CARTRIDGE, according to claim 1, characterized in that the force transducer is provided with four sensors that form a Wheatstone bridge. 6.-INSTRUMENTO PARA LA MEDICIÓN DE LA RIGIDEZ6.-INSTRUMENT FOR MEASURING RIGIDITY DEL CARTÍLAGO ARTICULAR, según reivindicación 1, caracteri¬ zado porque los medios de soporte cuentan con un cilindro hueco (13) en el que se insertan y fijan los medios de indentación. OF THE ARTICULAR CARTRIDGE, according to claim 1, characterized in that the support means have a hollow cylinder (13) in which the indentation means are inserted and fixed. 7.- INSTRUMENTO PARA LA MEDICIÓN DE LA RIGIDEZ7.- INSTRUMENT FOR THE MEASUREMENT OF RIGIDITY DEL CARTÍLAGO ARTICULAR, según reivindicación 1, caracteri¬ zado porque los medios de soporte cuentan además con un cabezal (15) en el que se introduce y fija el cilindro hueco (13) . OF THE ARTICULAR CARTRIDGE, according to claim 1, characterized in that the support means also have a head (15) into which the hollow cylinder (13) is inserted and fixed. 8.- INSTRUMENTO PARA LA MEDICIÓN DE LA RIGIDEZ8.- INSTRUMENT FOR THE MEASUREMENT OF RIGIDITY DEL CARTÍLAGO ARTICULAR, según reivindicaciones 1 y 7, caracterizado porque en el interior del cabezal (15) se fija el transductor de fuerza (20), de manera que el cilindro hueco (13) discurre a través del mismo y se fijan entre ellos de manera que al producirse presión en el apéndice (4), ésta se transmite al transductor de fuerza (20).OF THE ARTICULAR CARTRIDGE, according to claims 1 and 7, characterized in that the force transducer (20) is fixed inside the head (15), so that the hollow cylinder (13) runs through it and is fixed between them so that when pressure occurs in the appendix (4), it is transmitted to the force transducer (20). 9.- INSTRUMENTO PARA LA MEDICIÓN DE LA RIGIDEZ DEL CARTÍLAGO ARTICULAR, según reivindicaciones 1 y 7, caracterizado porque el cabezal se fija a un mango hueco en el que se incluye, con posibilidad de extracción, total o parcialmente de los medios electrónicos de procesado, que incluyen las resistencias del puente de Wheatstone así como medios de adaptación de las señales obtenidas en los transductores, para que dichas señales puedan ser procesa- das.9.- INSTRUMENT FOR MEASURING THE RIGIDITY OF THE ARTICULAR CARTRIDGE, according to claims 1 and 7, characterized in that the head is fixed to a hollow handle in which it is included, with the possibility of extracting, totally or partially, the electronic processing means , which include the resistances of the Wheatstone bridge as well as means of adapting the signals obtained in the transducers, so that said signals can be processed you give. 10.- INSTRUMENTO PARA LA MEDICIÓN DE LA RIGIDEZ DEL CARTÍLAGO ARTICULAR, según reivindicación 10, caracterizado porque en el cabezal (15) se incluyen medios de conexión de los transductores con los medios electróni¬ cos de acondicionamiento y tratamiento de señales.10.- INSTRUMENT FOR MEASURING THE RIGIDITY OF THE ARTICULAR CARTRIDGE, according to claim 10, characterized in that the means (15) include means for connecting the transducers with the electronic means for conditioning and signal processing. 11.- INSTRUMENTO PARA LA MEDICIÓN DE LA RIGIDEZ DEL CARTÍLAGO ARTICULAR, según reivindicación 1, caracterizado porque los medios de soporte cuentan con un mango (34) constituido por un cilindro hueco que se une al cabezal (15), y en el que se incluyen los medios electróni¬ cos de acondicionamiento y tratamiento de las señales procedentes de los transductores.11.- INSTRUMENT FOR MEASURING THE RIGIDITY OF THE ARTICULAR CARTRIDGE, according to claim 1, characterized in that the support means have a handle (34) constituted by a hollow cylinder that joins the head (15), and in which they include the electronic means for conditioning and processing the signals from the transducers. 12.- INSTRUMENTO PARA LA MEDICIÓN DE LA RIGIDEZ DEL CARTÍLAGO ARTICULAR, según reivindicación 1 y 10, caracterizado porque los medios electrónicos de acondicionamiento de señales se sitúan en un soporte (39) previsto entre dos bastidores longitudinales (37 y 38) cuyo conjunto se fija mediante dos piezas discoidales (40 y 41) extremas.12.- INSTRUMENT FOR MEASURING THE RIGIDITY OF THE ARTICULAR CARTRIDGE, according to claim 1 and 10, characterized in that the electronic signal conditioning means are placed on a support (39) provided between two longitudinal frames (37 and 38) whose assembly is fixed by two extreme discoidal pieces (40 and 41). 13.- INSTRUMENTO PARA LA MEDICIÓN DE LA RIGIDEZ DEL CARTÍLAGO ARTICULAR, según reivindicación anterior, caracterizado porque a través de una de las piezas discoidales emerge un conector que se posiciona en el cabezal (15), de manera que se conecta al conector previsto en éste uniéndose los medios electrónicos con los transductores.13.- INSTRUMENT FOR MEASURING THE RIGIDITY OF THE ARTICULAR CARTRIDGE, according to previous claim, characterized in that through one of the discoid parts a connector emerges that is positioned in the head (15), so that it is connected to the connector provided in this joining the electronic means with the transducers. 14.- INSTRUMENTO PARA LA MEDICIÓN DE LA RIGIDEZ DEL CARTÍLAGO ARTICULAR, según reivindicaciones anteriores, caracterizado porque los medios electrónicos de acondicionamiento y tratamiento de señales se alimentan mediante baterías recargables.14.- INSTRUMENT FOR MEASURING THE RIGIDITY OF THE ARTICULAR CARTRIDGE, according to previous claims, characterized in that the electronic means for conditioning and signal processing are fed by rechargeable batteries. 15.- INSTRUMENTO PARA LA MEDICIÓN DE LA RIGIDEZ DEL CARTÍLAGO ARTICULAR, según reivindicación 12, caracterizado porque el mango (34) cuenta con un pulsador (36) que activa los medios electrónicos y realiza la puesta a cero de los mismos para facultar la ejecución de diferen¬ tes medidas.15.- INSTRUMENT FOR MEASURING THE RIGIDITY OF THE ARTICULAR CARTRIDGE, according to claim 12, characterized in that the handle (34) has a button (36) which activates the electronic means and performs their zeroing to empower the execution of different measures. 16.- INSTRUMENTO PARA LA MEDICIÓN DE LA RIGIDEZ DEL CARTÍLAGO ARTICULAR, según reivindicaciones 12 y 15, caracterizado porque el bastidor longitudinal (37) cuenta con una ranura (45) que se guía sobre el pulsador (36), facilitándose la conexión entre los medios electróni¬ cos de acondicionamiento y tratamiento de señales y los transductores.16.- INSTRUMENT FOR MEASURING THE RIGIDITY OF THE ARTICULAR CARTRIDGE, according to claims 12 and 15, characterized in that the longitudinal frame (37) has a groove (45) that is guided on the button (36), facilitating the connection between the electronic means of conditioning and signal processing and transducers. 17.- INSTRUMENTO PAR ALA MEDICIÓN DE LA RIGIDEZ DEL CARTÍLAGO ARTICULAR, según reivindicaciones anteriores, caracterizado porque los medios electrónicos de acondicionamiento y tratamiento de señales se conectan a un amplificador de aislamiento (46), mediante el cual se realiza la conexión a los medios de procesamiento que pueden estar determinados por una tarjeta específica o un ordenador personal.17.- INSTRUMENT FOR WATER MEASUREMENT OF THE RIGIDITY OF THE ARTICULAR CARTRIDGE, according to previous claims, characterized in that the electronic means for conditioning and signal processing are connected to an isolation amplifier (46), by means of which the connection to the means is made processing that may be determined by a specific card or a personal computer. 18.- INSTRUMENTO PARA LA MEDICIÓN DE LA RIGIDEZ DEL CARTÍLAGO ARTICULAR, según reivindicaciones anteriores, caracterizado porque los medios de indentación así como los de soporte de los mismos, junto con un cargador de baterías (49), cables de conexión y amplifica¬ dores de aislamiento (46), se disponen en un maletín portátil (47). 18.- INSTRUMENT FOR MEASURING THE RIGIDITY OF THE ARTICULAR CARTRIDGE, according to previous claims, characterized in that the indentation means as well as the support means thereof, together with a battery charger (49), connection cables and amplifiers. insulation (46), are arranged in a portable case (47).
PCT/ES1996/000154 1995-08-03 1996-07-23 Instrument for measuring the rigidity of articular cartilage Ceased WO1997005825A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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ESP9501585 1995-08-03
ES9501585 1995-08-03

Publications (1)

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DE19929578A1 (en) * 1999-06-21 2001-01-11 Universitaetsklinikum Charite Method and device for testing cartilage
CN105547880A (en) * 2015-12-31 2016-05-04 广东科学技术职业学院 Fast metal plate strength detecting device and detecting method thereof

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