Robert A O'Brien

US Patent:

6152929, Nov 28, 2000

Filed:

Apr 22, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/064587

Inventors:

Robert T. O'Brien - Madison WI
Rudolf Dueland - Black Earth WI

Assignee:

Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation - Madison WI

International Classification:

A61B 1756

US Classification:

606 90

Abstract:

An apparatus is employed to determine hip joint laxity in canines. The apparatus, which is adjustable for the size of the canine, is placed between the thighs of a canine patient in ventral recumbency, the pelvic limbs are manipulated to compress or distract the coxofemoral joint and the compression or distraction is imaging by non-radiographic means.

US Patent:

61546704, Nov 28, 2000

Filed:

Dec 22, 1999

Appl. No.:

9/469671

Inventors:

Robert T. O'Brien - Madison WI
Rudolf Dueland - Black Earth WI

Assignee:

Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation - Madison WI

International Classification:

A61B 500

US Classification:

600407

Abstract:

A method for distracting a coxofemoral joint of a patient having two hind legs includes the steps of placing the patient in ventral recumbency, positioning a distractor between the upper thighs so that the distractor acts as a fulcrum for lateral displacement of the coxofemoral joint, and applying inward pressure to the stifle regions to distract the coxofemoral joint. Related methods are also disclosed for imaging a distracted coxofemoral joint and for evaluating the likelihood of developing laxity of a coxofemoral joint in a patient. The imaging can be non-radiographic. A distractor apparatus, suitable for use in the methods, is also described.