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Sommaire du brevet 2427186 

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Disponibilité de l'Abrégé et des Revendications

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  • lorsque la demande peut être examinée par le public;
  • lorsque le brevet est émis (délivrance).
(12) Brevet: (11) CA 2427186
(54) Titre français: SYSTEME D'ANALYSE DE LA CINEMATIQUE TRIDIMENSIONNELLE DU GENOU
(54) Titre anglais: A SYSTEM FOR THE ANALYSIS OF 3D KINEMATIC OF THE KNEE
Statut: Durée expirée - au-delà du délai suivant l'octroi
Données bibliographiques
(51) Classification internationale des brevets (CIB):
  • A61B 5/103 (2006.01)
  • A61B 5/11 (2006.01)
(72) Inventeurs :
  • YAHIA, L'HOCINE (Canada)
  • KOLLER, ANNICK (Canada)
  • GODBOUT, BENOIT (Canada)
  • DUVAL, NICOLAS (Canada)
  • DE GUISE, JACQUES A. (Canada)
  • SATI, MARWAN (Canada)
  • HAGEMEISTER, NICOLA (Canada)
  • PARENT, GERALD (Canada)
  • EL MAACH, ISMAIL (Canada)
(73) Titulaires :
  • SOCOVAR, SOCIETE EN COMMANDITE
  • POLYVALOR, SOCIETE EN COMMANDITE
  • VAL-CHUM, LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
(71) Demandeurs :
  • ECOLE DE TECHNOLOGIE SUPERIEURE (Canada)
(74) Agent: NORTON ROSE FULBRIGHT CANADA LLP/S.E.N.C.R.L., S.R.L.
(74) Co-agent:
(45) Délivré: 2011-08-23
(86) Date de dépôt PCT: 2000-10-31
(87) Mise à la disponibilité du public: 2001-05-10
Requête d'examen: 2006-09-28
Licence disponible: S.O.
Cédé au domaine public: S.O.
(25) Langue des documents déposés: Anglais

Traité de coopération en matière de brevets (PCT): Oui
(86) Numéro de la demande PCT: PCT/CA2000/001294
(87) Numéro de publication internationale PCT: WO 2001032080
(85) Entrée nationale: 2003-04-29

(30) Données de priorité de la demande:
Numéro de la demande Pays / territoire Date
2,287,771 (Canada) 1999-11-01
2,288,233 (Canada) 1999-11-01

Abrégés

Abrégé français

L'invention concerne une attelle à attacher autour d'un fémur, composé d'un support de cadre rigide et non flexible, deux dispositifs de fixation montés de manière souple et des détecteurs. L'attelle est destinée à la mesure non invasive des mouvements du genou et l'analyse des mesures en trois dimensions. Les éléments des dispositifs de fixation sont poussés sous pression vers l'extérieur pour une application contre une surface cutanée extérieure à des points prédéterminés médial et latéral relatifs au fémur. Un élément de stabilisation non souple est relié au cadre rigide et placé à un endroit prédéterminé par rapport à l'élément de fixation médial, espacé de ce dernier et réglable pour se fixer à une surface cutanée extérieure, en alignement avec le centre d'un condyle médial sur le fémur, afin de stabiliser le cadre rigide autour d'un genou. Une barre de fixation est fixée à la attelle et comporte des lanières pour fixer la barre au-dessus du genou.


Abrégé anglais


A harness for attachment about a knee femur and comprised of a rigid and non-
flexible frame support two resiliently mounted clamping means and sensors is
described for the non-invasive measurement of knee motion and its analysis in
3-D is described. The clamping means elements are urged under pressure
outwardly for application against a skin outer surface at predetermined medial
and lateral sites relative to a femur. A non-resilient adjustable stabilising
element is connected to the rigid frame and disposed at a predetermined
location with respect to the medial clamping element in spaced relationship
therewith and adjustable for clamping contact on a skin outer surface and in
alignment with the centre of a medial condyle of the femur whereby to
stabilise the rigid frame about a knee. An attachment rod is secured to the
harness and has straps for securing the rod above the knee.

Revendications

Note : Les revendications sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.


14
CLAIMS:
1. A harness for attachment about a knee femur of a
subject, said harness comprised of a rigid and non-flexible
frame adapted to be supported spaced apart from the knee and
without contacting the leg by two resiliently mounted
clamping means and a non-resilient adjustable stabilising
element so as not to limit motion of the knee, said clamping
means being urged under pressure outwardly for application
against a skin outer surface at predetermined medial and
lateral sites relative to a femur, the non-resilient
adjustable stabilising element connected to said rigid frame
and disposed at a predetermined location with respect to
said medial clamping means in spaced relationship therewith
and adjustable for clamping contact on a skin outer surface
and in alignment with a medial condyle of the femur whereby
to stabilise said rigid frame about a knee, said stabilising
element comprising a rod having an abutment pad at an outer
end thereof, said pad being positioned for contact on the
centre of the medial femoral condyle, and an attachment
means secured to said harness and having means for
securement above the knee.
2. A harness as claimed in claim 1 wherein one of
said clamping means is secured to said rigid frame in fixed
relationship.
3. A harness as claimed in claim 1 wherein at least
one of said clamping means are secured to said rigid frame
in an adjustable relationship.
4. A harness as claimed in claim 1 wherein said
clamping means are spaced apart at outer ends thereof a
predetermined distance for abutment on opposed sides of a
knee in a medio-lateral direction.

15
5. A harness as claimed in claim 1 wherein the said
stabilising element is adjustably secured to a support
frame, said support frame being adjustably connected to said
rigid non-flexible frame.
6. A harness as claimed in claim 1 wherein said
attachment mean is comprised by a bar connected to said
frame, said bar being formed by two bar sections
interconnected by a hinge, said bar being positioned for
skin surface contact against medial portion of the thigh,
said mean for securement being an adjustable strap.
7. A harness as claimed in claim 1 wherein said
attachment means is comprised by a bar connected to said
frame, said bar being formed by two bar sections
interconnected by a pivot, said bar being positioned for
skin surface contact against medial portion of the thigh,
said means for securement being an adjustable strap.
8. A harness as claimed in claim 1 wherein said
attachment means is comprised by a bar connected to said
frame, said bar being positioned for skin surface contact
against medial portion of the thigh, said means for
securement being an adjustable strap.
9. A harness as claimed in claim 1 wherein said rigid
and non-flexible frame is composed of a rigid arch with a
medial extremity adapted to be located on a medial side of
the knee and a lateral extremity adapted to be located on a
lateral side of the knee, said clamping means, said
stabilising element and said attachment means being secured
to said arch.
10. A harness as claimed in claim 1 wherein said rigid
and non-flexible frame is composed of a rigid arch, said
arch having one medial extremity adapted to be located on a

16
medial side of the knee, said medial extremity being secured
to a medial rigid frame adapted to be located on a medial
side of the knee, said arch having a lateral extremity
adapted to be located on a lateral side of the knee, said
lateral extremity being secured to a lateral rigid frame
adapted to be located on said lateral side of the knee, said
harness having one of said clamping means being secured to
said lateral rigid frame; said harness having one of said
clamping means, said stabilising element and said attachment
means being secured to said medial rigid frame.
11. A harness as claimed in claim 1 wherein said rigid
and non-flexible frame comprises a medial extremity adapted
to be located on a medial side of the knee and a lateral
extremity adapted to be located on lateral side of the knee,
said lateral and medial extremities being related in an
adjustable relationship; said clamping means, said
stabilising element and said attachment means being secured
to said non-flexible frame.
12. A harness as claimed in claim 1 wherein said
predetermined medial site for one of said clamping means is
between the vastus medialis and the sartorius tendon.
13. A harness as claimed in claim 1 wherein said
predetermined lateral site for one of said clamping means is
between the ilio-tibial band and the biceps femoris tendon.
14. A harness as claimed in claim 1 wherein said two
resilient clamping means each comprises a rigid housing in
which there is displaceably retained a rigid abutment
element which has an outer end configured to fit the shape
of the condyle, said rigid abutment element having an inner
portion retained by said housing in guided relationship and
urged outwardly by resilient means captive in said housing.

17
15. A harness as claimed in claim 14 wherein said
resilient means is constituted by at least one
interchangeable spring.
16. A harness as claimed in claim 14 wherein at least
one said housing is secured in sliding fit displacement in a
cavity formed in said rigid frame, said displacement
permitting to position said housing at a desired position
within said cavity.
17. A harness as claimed in claim 16 wherein said
sliding fit displacement is produced by means of an
adjustment screw.
18. A system for the precise and reproducible three-
dimensional movement analysis of a knee, said system
comprising:
a harness adapted to be supported about a knee
femur of a subject, said harness comprised of a rigid and
non-flexible frame supported spaced apart from the knee by
two resiliently mounted clamping means so as not to limit
motion of the knee, said clamping means being urged under
pressure outwardly for application against a skin outer
surface at predetermined medial and lateral sites relative
to a femur, the non-resilient adjustable stabilising element
connected to said rigid frame and disposed at a
predetermined location with respect to said medial clamping
means in spaced relationship therewith and adjustable for
clamping contact on a skin outer surface and in alignment
with a medial condyle of the femur whereby to stabilise said
rigid frame about a knee, and an attachment means secured to
said harness and having means for securement above the knee;
tibial attachment means associated to a knee tibia
in a fixed relationship, the tibial attachment means not
being connected to the harness;

18
localising sensors secured to said harness and to
said tibial attachment means, said sensors providing
position and orientation indications associated with the
femur and the tibia, in space;
means to generate data corresponding to said
position and orientation of said sensors, in time.
19. The system as claimed in claim 18 further
comprising means for treating said data, to calculate knee
movement indexes and providing resulting data in storage
form for use in the analysis of the kinematics of a knee.
20. The system as claimed in claim 18 further
comprising means for treating said data, to calculate knee
posture indexes and providing resulting data in storage form
for use in the analysis of the posture of a knee.
21. The system as claimed in claim 18 wherein said
tibial attachment means comprises a rod, said rod being
connectable on a skin outer surface, said skin outer surface
being located on an anterior side of the tibia and below the
tibial tuberosity, said rod being secured proximally and
distally by adjustable straps for securement about the lower
leg portion below the knee.
22. The system as claimed in claim 18 wherein said
tibial attachment means is composed of a rigid rod
approximately 3 cm wide, 25 cm long and 3 mm thick.
23. The system as claimed in claim 18 wherein said
localising sensors are electromagnetic tracking devices
which locate their three-dimensional position and
orientation in respect to an electromagnetic field emitter.
24. The system as claimed in claim 18 wherein said
localising sensors are opto-electronic tracking devices

19
which emit optical signal which are received by a camera,
said camera enabled to follow the three-dimensional position
of each sensor.
25. The system as claimed in claim 18 wherein said
localising sensors are ultrasonic tracking devices which
locate their three-dimensional position and orientation in
respect to an ultrasound emitter.
26. The system as claimed in claim 18 wherein said
localising sensors are ultrasonic tracking devices which
locate their three-dimensional position and orientation with
respect to one another.
27. A method of determining the kinematics of a knee
in a non invasive manner comprising the steps of:
(i) providing a harness for attachment about a
knee femur of a subject, said harness comprised of a rigid
and non-flexible frame adapted to be supported spaced apart
from a knee by two resiliently mounted clamping means and a
non-resilient adjustable stabilising element so as not to
limit motion of the knee, said clamping means being urged
under pressure outwardly for application against a skin
outer surface at predetermined medial and lateral sites
relative to a femur, the non-resilient adjustable
stabilising element connected to said rigid frame and
disposed at a predetermined location with respect to said
medial clamping means in spaced relationship therewith and
adjustable for clamping contact on a skin outer surface and
in alignment with a medial condyle of the femur whereby to
stabilise said rigid frame about a knee, and an attachment
means secured to said harness and having means for
securement above the knee;
(ii) installing said harness about a knee to be
analysed;

20
(iii) securing tibial attachment means to the knee
tibia in a fixed relationship and separated from the
harness;
(iv) generating data by localising sensors
secured to said harness and said tibial attachment means,
said data localising said sensors in space and in time;
(v) detecting the location of said sensors at
specific time intervals to provide location data at said
time intervals;
(vi) treating and analysing said data; and
(vii) generating resulting data for use in the
description of a knee to which said harness and tibial
attachment means is secured.
28. A method as claimed in claim 27 wherein said step
(ii) of installing said harness about a knee comprises the
steps of:
(i) placing one of said clamping means between
the vastus medialis and the sartorius tendon of said knee;
(ii) placing one of said clamping means between
the ilio-tibial band and the biceps femoris tendon of said
knee;
(iii) placing said attachment means against the
medial side of the thigh;
(iv) securing the attachment means above said
knee;
(v) verifying that said harness is stable about
said knee, even after a few movements of flexion-extension
of said knee;
(vi) adjusting the position of said stabilising
element on a medial side, so that one extremity urges
against the skin in alignment with the centre of the condyle
when said knee is in extension.

21
29. A method as claimed in claim 27 wherein the step
(iii) installation of said tibial attachment means on said
tibia at said predetermined site comprises the steps of:
(i) adjusting the position of said tibial
attachment means so that it urges on the anterior side of
said tibia, below the tuberosity of said tibia; and
(ii) securing said tibial attachment means below
said tuberosity of said tibia.
30. A method as claimed in claim 27 wherein there is
provided the step of measuring at predetermined time
intervals the three-dimensional positions of a group of at
least three sensors fixed on said harness and of a group of
at least three sensors fixed on said tibial attachment
means, said positions being measured with respect of an
external reference; and the further step of calculating the
three-dimensional positions and orientations of each said
group of sensors with respect to said external reference,
said sensors generating data on their three-dimensional
positions relatively to said external reference.
31. A method as claimed in claim 27 wherein there is
provided the step of measuring at predetermined time
intervals the three-dimensional position and orientation of
at least one sensor on said harness and at least one sensor
on said tibial attachment means, said position and
orientation being measured with respect to an external
reference, said sensors generating data on their three-
dimensional position and orientation relative to said
external reference.
32. A method as claimed in claim 27 wherein there is
provided the step of measuring at predetermined time
intervals the three-dimensional position and orientation of
a group of at least three sensors fixed on said harness with
respect to a group of at least three sensors fixed on said

22
tibial attachment means; and the further step of calculating
the three dimensional position and orientation of said group
of sensors fixed on said harness in respect to said group of
sensors fixed on said tibial attachment means, said sensors
fixed on said harness generating data on their three-
dimensional positions relative to said group of sensors
fixed on said tibial attachment means.
33. A method as claimed in claim 27 wherein there is
provided the step of measuring at predetermined time
intervals the three-dimensional positions and orientations
of a group of at least three sensors fixed on said tibial
attachment means with respect to a group of at least three
sensors fixed on said harness; and the further step of
calculating the three-dimensional position and orientation
of said group of sensors fixed on said tibial attachment
means with respect to said group of sensors fixed on said
harness, said sensors fixed on said tibial attachment means
generating data on their three-dimensional position relative
to said group of sensors fixed on said harness.
34. A method as claimed in claim 27 wherein there is
further provided the step of measuring at predetermined time
intervals the three-dimensional position and orientation of
at least one sensor fixed on said tibial attachment means
with respect to at least one sensor fixed on said harness,
said sensor fixed on said tibial attachment means generating
data on its three-dimensional position and orientation with
respect to said at least one sensor fixed on said harness.
35. A method as claimed in claim 27 wherein there is
provided the step of measuring at predetermined time
intervals the three-dimensional position and orientation of
at least one sensor fixed on said harness with respect to at
least one sensor fixed on said tibial attachment means, said
sensor fixed on said harness generating data on its three-

23
dimensional position and orientation with respect to said
sensor fixed on said tibial attachment means.
36. A method as claimed in claim 27 wherein said
analysis of data is performed by computerised program means.
37. A method as claimed in claim 27 wherein said
analysis of data is performed by electronic means.
38. A method as claimed in claim 27 which further
comprises the step of causing movement of said knee.
39. A method as claimed in claim 38 wherein said
movement is walking.
40. A method as claimed in claim 38 wherein said
movement is walking on a treadmill.
41. A method as claimed in claim 38 wherein said
movement is jumping at least one time.
42. A method as claimed in claim 38 wherein said
movement is bending said knee at least one time.
43. A method as claimed in claim 38 wherein said
movement is stretching said knee at least one time.
44. A method as claimed in claim 38 wherein said
movement is guided by a person.
45. A method as claimed in claim 38 wherein said
movement is guided by an apparatus.

24
46. A method as claimed in claim 27 wherein said
analysis of data consists of:
(i) defining a coordinate system relative to
said group of sensors fixed to said harness;
(ii) defining a coordinate system relative to
said group of sensors fixed on said tibial attachment means;
and
(iii) calculating the mathematical relationship
between said coordinate systems one to another.
47. A method as claimed in claim 46 wherein said
coordinate systems are measured by means of computerised
three dimensional representations of said femur and tibia,
said representations being calibrated in order to be
accurately positioned and orientated relative to real femur
and tibia bones.
48. A method as claimed in claim 46 wherein said
mathematical relationship is defined by rotations and
translations of said femur and tibia with respect to one
another.
49. A method as claimed in claim 46 wherein said
mathematical relationship is defined by a finite helicoidal
axis of said knee.
50. A method as claimed in claim 46 wherein said
resulting data represent Euler angles and distances
described at predetermined time intervals.
51. A method as claimed in claim 46 wherein said
resulting data represent three-dimensional orientations and
positions of finite helicoidal axis of said knee, angle of
rotation around said helicoidal axis and translation along
said helicoidal axis, described at predetermined time
intervals.

25
52. A harness for attachment about a knee femur of a
subject, said harness comprised of a rigid and non-flexible
frame adapted to be supported spaced apart from the knee and
without contacting the leg by two resiliently mounted
clamping means and a non-resilient adjustable stabilising
element so as not to limit motion of the knee, said two
resilient clamping means each comprising a rigid housing in
which there is displaceably retained a rigid abutment
element which has an outer end configured to fit the shape
of the condyle, said rigid abutment element having an inner
portion retained by said housing in guided relationship and
urged outwardly by resilient means captive in said housing,
with at least one said housing being secured in sliding fit
displacement in a cavity formed in said rigid frame, said
displacement permitting to position said housing at a
desired position within said cavity, whereby said clamping
means is urged under pressure outwardly for application
against a skin outer surface at predetermined medial and
lateral sites relative to a femur, the non-resilient
adjustable stabilising element connected to said rigid frame
and disposed at a predetermined location with respect to
said medial clamping means in spaced relationship therewith
and adjustable for clamping contact on a skin outer surface
and in alignment with a medial condyle of the femur whereby
to stabilise said rigid frame about a knee, and an
attachment means secured to said harness and having means
for securement above the knee.

Description

Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.


CA 02427186 2003-04-29
WO 01/32080 PCT/CA00/01294
1
A SYSTEM FOR THE ANALYSIS OF
3D KINEMATIC OF THE KNEE
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a knee harness and
method for the precise and non-invasive measurement of
knee motion and its analysis in 3D. Specifically, the
present invention measures precisely and non-invasively
the relative 3D position and orientation of the tibia
in respect with the 3D position and orientation of the
femur during time and the relative 3D movement of the
tibia in respect of the femur.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Human joints are usually more complex than a single
axis. The knee joint is among the most complicated
synovial joints in the musculoskeletal system. The
kinematic studies of knee allow the computation of
force distribution during physical activities (such as
walking), evaluating surgical operations such as
ligament reconstruction, evaluating the effects of
inaccurate positioning of condylar prostheses,
evaluating the effect on the knee of the use of foot
prosthesis, evaluating diagnostic methods for ligament
injuries and studying the injury mechanism in a knee
joint.
By performing a combination of rolling and
sliding, the knee joint accommodates the small contact
area between the femur and the tibia. The anatomical
structure of the femoral condyles leads to a complex
combination of translations and rotations, which
includes components of abduction/adduction,
internal/external rotations and flexion/extension.

CA 02427186 2003-04-29
WO 01/32080 PCT/CA00/01294
2
Some tools are known that allow an evaluation of
the knee. Instrumented clinical tests as KT1000 [Back
et al., 1990] have been proposed, but their use is
still under debate and their reliability and inter-
s observer reproducibility are questioned [Forster et
al., 1989; Huber et al., 1997]. The Lars Rotational
Laxiometer [Beacon et al., 1996; Bleday et al., 1998]
seems to demonstrate a satisfactory inter and intra-
observer reproducibility, but the measurement is
limited to the laxity of the knee along one movement
axis. Also, considering the 3D nature of the knee's
movement, it is essential to complete this measurement
by a more global evaluation, in 3D and in movement.
To measure the rotations, localising sensors
(magnetic, optic, ultrasonic...) can be used in order to
follow the position and orientation of the femur and
the tibia in space. Experiments have been made in order
to measure the relative motion between the femur and
tine tibia using such sensors placed on the skin.
However, Macleod and Morris (1987) were the first to
study the inevitable relative movement between skin and
bone during a movement analysis. This has also been
done by Sati et al. (1996) who has reported three
general methods which address the problem of relative
skin movement: 1) use of intracortical pins to fix
rigidly but invasively the sensors to the bones, 2) use
of statistical calculations to correct the positions of
several sensors and 3) use of attachment systems in
order to reduce sensors movement in respect with the
underlying bone. Only the third method allows having
relatively precise measurements of the bone position
and orientation, non-invasively. Because these two
factors are essential during routine examinations of

CA 02427186 2003-04-29
WO 01/32080 PCT/CA00/01294
3
the knee, the use of an external attachment system
seems to be the best compromise.
Sati et al. (1996) proposed an attachment system
for the sensors. This mechanical fixation system
attaches the sensors onto the underlying bone non
invasively. Three attachment sites onto the condyles
are related with a mechanical bridge, which insure the
application of inward clamping pressure. A vertical bar
insures the system to accurately reflect the
orientation of the femoral long axis. Th.e tibial
attachment consists of a long bow-shaped plate strapped
at both ends to the proximal and distal ends of the
tibia. It has been shown that the system can measure
knee kinematics with acceptable precision (Sati et al.
1996). This attachment system however revealed some
problems in its use:
The mechanical bridge which relates the attachment
sites on the femoral harness is designed to be flexible
in order to provide comfort to the subject when
performing extension of the knee since biceps femoris
tendon and ilio-tibial band approach one another during
full extension, and the lateral attachment sits on the
biceps femoris muscle which has the effect of pushing
the lateral attachment away from the knee (Sati, 1996).
However, this causes a displacement of the three
femoral attachments, particularly on the lateral side,
that produces an antero-posterior force which can lead
to harness detachment. Also, the localising sensors
motion is then influenced by their location on the
attachment system.
Moreover, the mechanical bridge flexibility causes
orientation changes in part of the harness during
subject full extension, which can result in errors in

CA 02427186 2003-04-29
WO 01/32080 PCT/CA00/01294
4
measurements of the position and orientation of the
sensors fixed on the harness. Further, the addition of
force exerted on knee structures when performing full
extension is similar for all subjects. Although it can
be acceptable for many subjects, the force can be
unbearable for some. Finally, the adjustment and
installation is somewhat long and not precise.
A second version of the harness was produced, with
a bridge that is rigid in expansion but flexible in
torsion, relating one lateral and two medial supports.
No lateral expansion is possible during knee extension
because of the bridge's rigidity in expansion, which
produces an unbearable pressure on both sides of the
knee for most of the subjects and causes errors in
measurements.
Due to these disadvantages, there is a need to
provide a new harness design in order to improve the
precision, the sensibility and the reproducibility of
the knee analysis system without affecting the
subject's comfort.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore a feature of the present invention
to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art and
provide a harness and method of use which permits
precise measurements and analysis of the knee movement,
i.e. the description during time of the tibial and
femoral three-dimensional positions and orientations,
one with respect to the other.
It is a further feature of the present invention
to provide a harness which can obtain a non-invasive
attachment for the localising sensors on the femur,
which is composed of orthoplasts, not related by a

CA 02427186 2003-04-29
WO 01/32080 PCT/CA00/01294
flexible mechanical bridge, and which is comfortable
for the subject, especially during full extension.
It is a still further feature of the present
invention to provide an attachment system that can be
5 installed on a subject's knee rapidly and precisely.
In accordance with the above features, from a
broad aspect, the present invention provides a knee
movement analysis system composed of a rigid harness
which fixates, in a non-invasive manner, localising
sensors on the femur, and an attachment system which
fixates, in a non-invasive manner, localising sensors
onto the tibia, and a program analysing the location
measurements, therewith providing results on kinematic
or posture of the knee.
The present invention differs from the prior art
in that it consists of a three-dimensional knee
movement analysis system, which uses a rigid attachment
system for localising sensors on the femur and on the
tibia. The rigidity of the femoral harness is
compensated by a new design of the two orthoplasts,
which absorb by mean of springs, the lateral pressure
forces due to knee expansion when performing a full
range of motion.
The harness rigidity provides improvements in
sensors stability and precision in respect with the
femur, in rapidity of installation on the knee and in
comfort for the subject and thus, improvements in the
precision, the quality, and the reproducibility of knee
evaluation.
According to a further broad aspect of the present
invention there is provided a harness for attachment
about a knee femur of the subject. The harness
comprises a rigid and non-flexible frame supporting two

CA 02427186 2003-04-29
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6
resiliently mounted clamping means. The clamping means
are urged under pressure outwardly for application
against a skin outer surface at predetermined medial
and lateral sites relative to a femur. A non-resilient.
adjustable stabilising element is connected to the
rigid frame and disposed at a predetermined location
with respect to the medial clamping means in spaced
relationship therewith and adjustable for clamping
contact on a skin outer surface and in alignment with
the centre of a medial condyle of the femur whereby to
stabilise the rigid frame about a knee. An attachment
means is secured to the harness and has means for
securement above the knee.
According to a further broad aspect of the present
invention the harness attaches about the knee femur of
a subject in a non-invasive system for precise and
reproducible three-dimensional movement analysis of the
knee. The system also comprises attachment means
associated to a knee tibia in a fixed relationship.
Localising sensors are secured to the harness and to
the tibial attachment means. The sensors provide
position and orientation indications associated with
the femur and the tibia in space. A means is also
provided to generate data corresponding to the position
and orientation of the sensors, in time.
According to a further still broad aspect of the
present invention there is provided a method of
determining the kinematic of a knee in a non-invasive
manner. The method comprises the harness as above
described attached about the knee femur and the tibial
attachment means is secured to the knee tibia in a
fixed relationship. Data is generated by localising
sensors secured to the harness and the tibial

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7
attachment means. The data localises the sensors in
space and in time. The location of the sensors is
detected at specific time intervals to provide location
data at the time intervals. The data is treated,
analysed and resulting data is generated for use in the
description of a knee to which the harness and tibial
attachment means is secured.
The above described method is further
characterised in that the resulting data consists of
steps of defining a coordinate system relativ~=.~ to the
group of sensors fixed to the harness, defining a
coordinate system relative to the group of sensors
fixed on the tibial attachment means and calculating
the mathematical relationship between the coordinate
systems one to another.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the harness
constructed in accordance with the present invention;
Figs. 2a and 2b are sectional views of the
clamping means located on the lateral and medial side
of the knee, respectively;
Fig. 3 is a perspective view of tibial attachment
means;
Figs. 4a and 4b are respectively medial and
lateral views of the anatomical structures of the knee,
permitting the identification of installation sites of
the harness on the knee;
Fig. 5 is a schematic and block diagram
representing the system for analysis of the three
dimensional kinematic of the knee;
Figs. 6a and 6b are perspective views, of the
localising sensor secured against the harness,

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8
respectively, for contact with the anterior and lateral
side of the knee;
Fig. 7a is a fragmented side view of a leg showing
the harness and tibia attachment bar secured thereto
with ultrasound localising sensors; and
Fig. 7b is a perspective view of an ultrasound
localising sensor.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the harness 100 of
the present invention is described. This harness 100
comprises a rigid and non-flexible frame 101 which is
formed as a rigid arch. At each end of the frame there
is provided a medial rigid support 103 and a lateral
rigid support 102. The distance between the ends is
fixed or adjustable.
The harness 100 further comprises two resilient
clamping means, 116 and 117 as shown in Figs . 2a and
2b, each of them comprising a rigid housing 104 and 105
in which there is retained two rigid abutment elements
106 and 107 each having an outer end configured to fit
the shape of a condyle. Springs 118 and 119, or any
other resilient means, apply an outward force on the
abutment elements. At least one of the clamping means
116 or 117 could be secured to rigid supports 102 or
103 by adjustable means, e.g. in sliding fit adjustment
in a cavity 120 formed in rigid support 102. This
adjustable means is hereinshown as being an adjustment
screw 121 having a finger gripping head 122. The
springs 118 and 119 are also interchangeable to vary
the force of the abutment elements 106 and 107.

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9
The harness 100 further comprises a non-resilient
adjustable stabilising element 123 comprising a
threaded rod 113 having an abutment pad 111 at an outer
end thereof. This stabilising element 123 is being
secured to a support frame 112, which support frame 112
is connected to the rigid frame 103 by adjustable means
herein a screw attachment 115. The position of the pad
111 is adjusted by an adjustment wheel 114.
The harness 100 further comprises an attachment
means in the form of a bar 108. This attachment bar 108
is in the form of a long narrow flat plate and could be
formed of two sections interconnected by a hinge 109 or
by a pivot. The attachment bar 108 could be secured by
a VelcroTM strap 110 or by other attachment means above
the knee of the wearer.
Referring now to Figure 3, the tibial attachment
means is described. This attachment means comprises a
tibia attachment bar 124 secured below the knee by
means of two adjustable Velcro straps 125 and 126, or
by other attachment means. This attachment bar 124 is
also in the form of a long narrow flat plate.
Referring to Figs. 1, 4a and 4b, the installation
of the harness 100 on knee 127 is described. The
harness 100 is installed on the knee 127 by urging the
abutment elements 105 and 107 of the clamping means 116
and 117 against the skin at predetermined sites 128 and
129 on the knee. These predetermined sites are located
medially between the vastus medialis 130 and the
sartorius tendon 131 of the knee and laterally between
the ilio-tibial band 132 and the biceps femoris tendon
133 of the knee. The harness 100 is thereafter secured
proximally, rigidly attaching the attachment bar 108
against the medial side of the thigh and securing this

CA 02427186 2003-04-29
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attachment bar by means of the VelcroT"~ strap 110.
Without affecting subject's comfort, the harness
stability is adjusted by means of the adjustable screw
wheel 114 as well as the adjustment of the abutment
5 element 106 by rotating the head 122. The abutment pad
111 of the stabilising element 123 is urged against
skin in alignment with the centre of the medial condyle
128.
Referring to Figs. 3, 4a and 4b, the installation
10 of the tibial attachment on the knee 127 is described.
The tibia attachment bar 124 is installed by adjusting
its position so that the bar 124 urges on the anterior
side of the tibia, below the tuberosity 134 of the
tibia 135, securing the tibia attachment bar 124 below
this tuberosity by means of the adjustable straps 125
and 126.
Referring to Figs. 5, 6, 7a and 7b, the method for
analysing the three-dimensional kinematic of a knee
will be described. A harness 100 and the tibial
attachment bar 124 are provided with localising sensors
136, 137 or 141 on the femur of the knee and on the
tibia. The localising sensors are designated by
reference numeral 136, 137 and 141 and can be of
different types, herein illustrated are electromagnetic
sensors 137, opto-electronic sensors 136, and
ultrasonic sensors 141. These sensors are incorporated
in a system to provide data on their three-dimensional
positions or their three-dimensional positions and
orientations, with respect to an external reference, or
with respect to one another. Figure 6 illustrates an
example of the position of opto-electronic sensors 136
on the harness 100. Their positions are tracked using
a camera (not shown). When using the ultrasonic

CA 02427186 2003-04-29
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11
sensors 141, their positions are tracked by ultrasound
tx/rx methods. Their three-dimensional position and
orientation can also be determined by their
relationship to one another. When using
electromagnetic tracking sensors 137 their three-
dimensional position and orientation is tracked with
electromagnetic field emitter/receiver methods.
The harness 100 and the tibial attachment bar 124
are installed on the knee to be analysed. A knee
l0 posture is adopted or movement of the >>nee is
performed. This movement could consist of walking, or
walking on a treadmill, or bending and/or stretching
the knee... The movement could be guided by a person or
by an apparatus. Data is generated by the localising
sensors 136, 137, and 141 and the data is treated and
analysed by computerised program means 138 or
equivalent electronic means. The treatment of the data
could reside in the calculation of mathematical
relationships relating the femur with the tibia in
space during time. These relationships could be
calculated with the definition on the femur and on the
tibia of a coordinate system representing the location
of the femur and the tibia, respectively. This latter
definition could be accomplished on computerised models
which are thereafter calibrated on real bones.
The mathematical relationships, rotations,
translations, helicoldal axis, ... etc are used to
calculate knee movement indexes data 139 used in the
description of the posture, or the movement of the
knee .
Briefly summarising the method of determining the
kinematic of a knee in a non-invasive manner comprising
the harness of the present invention, the method

CA 02427186 2003-04-29
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12
comprises attaching the harness about a knee femur in
the manner as above described and securing the tibial
attachment bar to the knee tibia in a fixed
relationship. Data is generated by the localising
sensors secured to the harness and the tibial
attachment bar. This data localises the sensors in
space and in time. The location of the sensors is
detected at specific time intervals to provide location
data at the time intervals. This data is treated,
analysed and resulting data is generated which
describes the knee to which the harness and tibial
attachment means is secured.
In installing the harness about the knee care is
taken to place one of the clamping means between the
vastus medialis and the sartorius tendon of the knee.
The other clamping means is positioned between the
ilio-tibial band and the biceps femoris tendon of the
knee. The attachment rod which is connected to the
harness is placed against the medial side of thigh and
2o attached by means of straps above the knee. The
stability of the harness is verified even after the
knee has been flexed a few times. The position of the
stabilising element on the medial side is adjusted so
that one extremity urges against the skin in alignment
with the centre of the condyle when the knee is in
extension. The position of the attachment means is
adjusted so that it urges on the interior side of the
tibia below the two tuberosity of the tibia and it is
attached below the two tuberosity of the tibia.
The measurements are taken when the knee is in
movement and this is achieved by walking on a floor
surface or walking on a treadmill or jumping at least
one or a few times, or bending the knee at least once

CA 02427186 2003-04-29
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13
or stretching the knee at least one time. The movement
is guided by a person or an apparatus.
The analysis of data consists of defining a
coordinate system relative to the group of sensors
fixed to the harness, and defining a coordinate system
relative to the group of sensors fixed on the tibial
attachment rod. The mathematical relationship between
the coordinate systems one to another is then
calculated. The measurement is effected by a
computerised three-dimensional representations of the
femur and tibia and these representations are
calibrated in order to be accurately positioned and
oriented relative to real femur and tibia bones . The
mathematical relationship is defined by rotations and
translations to the femur and tibia with respect to one
another as well as a finite helicoidal axis of the
knee. The resulting data represents Euler angles and
distances described at predetermined time intervals.
The resulting data not only represents three-
dimensional orientations and positions of finite
helicoidal axis of the knee but also angle of rotation
around the helicoidal axis and translation along the
helicoidal axis described at predetermined time
intervals.
It is within the ambit of the present invention to
cover any obvious modifications of the preferred
embodiment described herein, provided such
modifications fall within the scope of the appended
claims.

Dessin représentatif
Une figure unique qui représente un dessin illustrant l'invention.
États administratifs

2024-08-01 : Dans le cadre de la transition vers les Brevets de nouvelle génération (BNG), la base de données sur les brevets canadiens (BDBC) contient désormais un Historique d'événement plus détaillé, qui reproduit le Journal des événements de notre nouvelle solution interne.

Veuillez noter que les événements débutant par « Inactive : » se réfèrent à des événements qui ne sont plus utilisés dans notre nouvelle solution interne.

Pour une meilleure compréhension de l'état de la demande ou brevet qui figure sur cette page, la rubrique Mise en garde , et les descriptions de Brevet , Historique d'événement , Taxes périodiques et Historique des paiements devraient être consultées.

Historique d'événement

Description Date
Inactive : Périmé (brevet - nouvelle loi) 2020-11-02
Représentant commun nommé 2019-10-30
Représentant commun nommé 2019-10-30
Accordé par délivrance 2011-08-23
Inactive : Page couverture publiée 2011-08-22
Inactive : Taxe finale reçue 2011-06-03
Préoctroi 2011-06-03
Un avis d'acceptation est envoyé 2011-05-12
Lettre envoyée 2011-05-12
Un avis d'acceptation est envoyé 2011-05-12
Inactive : Approuvée aux fins d'acceptation (AFA) 2011-05-09
Inactive : Correspondance - Transfert 2011-03-02
Modification reçue - modification volontaire 2011-02-10
Inactive : Dem. de l'examinateur par.30(2) Règles 2010-08-10
Modification reçue - modification volontaire 2010-03-16
Inactive : Dem. de l'examinateur par.30(2) Règles 2009-09-16
Inactive : Supprimer l'abandon 2009-08-12
Lettre envoyée 2009-04-16
Lettre envoyée 2009-04-16
Lettre envoyée 2009-04-16
Lettre envoyée 2009-04-16
Lettre envoyée 2009-04-16
Lettre envoyée 2009-04-16
Lettre envoyée 2009-04-16
Lettre envoyée 2009-04-16
Lettre envoyée 2009-04-16
Inactive : Supprimer l'abandon 2009-04-08
Inactive : Abandon. - Aucune rép. à lettre officielle 2009-03-10
Inactive : Abandon. - Aucune rép. à lettre officielle 2008-12-04
Inactive : Correspondance - Transfert 2008-11-17
Inactive : Lettre officielle 2008-09-04
Exigences de prorogation de délai pour l'accomplissement d'un acte - jugée conforme 2008-04-09
Inactive : Correspondance - Transfert 2008-04-09
Lettre envoyée 2008-04-09
Inactive : Prorogation de délai lié aux transferts 2008-03-10
Inactive : Lettre officielle 2007-12-10
Inactive : Transfert individuel 2007-10-12
Inactive : Correspondance - Formalités 2007-07-20
Lettre envoyée 2006-11-02
Lettre envoyée 2006-11-02
Demande de correction du demandeur reçue 2006-10-31
Inactive : Lettre officielle 2006-10-12
Requête en rétablissement reçue 2006-09-28
Exigences pour une requête d'examen - jugée conforme 2006-09-28
Toutes les exigences pour l'examen - jugée conforme 2006-09-28
Exigences de rétablissement - réputé conforme pour tous les motifs d'abandon 2006-09-28
Exigences de rétablissement - réputé conforme pour tous les motifs d'abandon 2006-09-28
Inactive : CIB de MCD 2006-03-12
Réputée abandonnée - omission de répondre à un avis sur les taxes pour le maintien en état 2005-10-31
Inactive : Abandon.-RE+surtaxe impayées-Corr envoyée 2005-10-31
Inactive : Page couverture publiée 2003-07-04
Inactive : Supprimer l'abandon 2003-06-27
Lettre envoyée 2003-06-27
Inactive : Notice - Entrée phase nat. - Pas de RE 2003-06-27
Demande reçue - PCT 2003-05-29
Exigences pour l'entrée dans la phase nationale - jugée conforme 2003-04-29
Exigences pour l'entrée dans la phase nationale - jugée conforme 2003-04-29
Exigences pour l'entrée dans la phase nationale - jugée conforme 2003-04-29
Exigences pour l'entrée dans la phase nationale - jugée conforme 2003-04-29
Réputée abandonnée - omission de répondre à un avis sur les taxes pour le maintien en état 2002-10-31
Demande publiée (accessible au public) 2001-05-10

Historique d'abandonnement

Date d'abandonnement Raison Date de rétablissement
2006-09-28
2005-10-31
2002-10-31

Taxes périodiques

Le dernier paiement a été reçu le 2010-09-02

Avis : Si le paiement en totalité n'a pas été reçu au plus tard à la date indiquée, une taxe supplémentaire peut être imposée, soit une des taxes suivantes :

  • taxe de rétablissement ;
  • taxe pour paiement en souffrance ; ou
  • taxe additionnelle pour le renversement d'une péremption réputée.

Veuillez vous référer à la page web des taxes sur les brevets de l'OPIC pour voir tous les montants actuels des taxes.

Titulaires au dossier

Les titulaires actuels et antérieures au dossier sont affichés en ordre alphabétique.

Titulaires actuels au dossier
SOCOVAR, SOCIETE EN COMMANDITE
POLYVALOR, SOCIETE EN COMMANDITE
VAL-CHUM, LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
Titulaires antérieures au dossier
ANNICK KOLLER
BENOIT GODBOUT
GERALD PARENT
ISMAIL EL MAACH
JACQUES A. DE GUISE
L'HOCINE YAHIA
MARWAN SATI
NICOLA HAGEMEISTER
NICOLAS DUVAL
Les propriétaires antérieurs qui ne figurent pas dans la liste des « Propriétaires au dossier » apparaîtront dans d'autres documents au dossier.
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Description du
Document 
Date
(aaaa-mm-jj) 
Nombre de pages   Taille de l'image (Ko) 
Description 2003-04-29 13 536
Dessins 2003-04-29 6 131
Revendications 2003-04-29 13 419
Abrégé 2003-04-29 2 78
Dessin représentatif 2003-07-03 1 10
Page couverture 2003-07-04 1 48
Revendications 2010-03-16 13 429
Dessins 2010-03-16 6 126
Revendications 2011-02-10 12 527
Dessin représentatif 2011-07-19 1 8
Page couverture 2011-07-19 2 53
Avis d'entree dans la phase nationale 2003-06-27 1 189
Courtoisie - Certificat d'enregistrement (document(s) connexe(s)) 2003-06-27 1 105
Rappel - requête d'examen 2005-07-04 1 115
Courtoisie - Lettre d'abandon (requête d'examen) 2006-01-09 1 166
Courtoisie - Lettre d'abandon (taxe de maintien en état) 2005-12-28 1 174
Accusé de réception de la requête d'examen 2006-11-02 1 178
Avis de retablissement 2006-11-02 1 172
Courtoisie - Certificat d'enregistrement (document(s) connexe(s)) 2009-04-16 1 103
Courtoisie - Certificat d'enregistrement (document(s) connexe(s)) 2009-04-16 1 103
Courtoisie - Certificat d'enregistrement (document(s) connexe(s)) 2009-04-16 1 103
Courtoisie - Certificat d'enregistrement (document(s) connexe(s)) 2009-04-16 1 103
Courtoisie - Certificat d'enregistrement (document(s) connexe(s)) 2009-04-16 1 103
Courtoisie - Certificat d'enregistrement (document(s) connexe(s)) 2009-04-16 1 103
Courtoisie - Certificat d'enregistrement (document(s) connexe(s)) 2009-04-16 1 103
Courtoisie - Certificat d'enregistrement (document(s) connexe(s)) 2009-04-16 1 103
Courtoisie - Certificat d'enregistrement (document(s) connexe(s)) 2009-04-16 1 104
Avis du commissaire - Demande jugée acceptable 2011-05-12 1 165
PCT 2003-04-29 10 331
Correspondance 2006-10-12 1 15
Taxes 2006-09-28 1 40
Correspondance 2006-10-31 8 181
Correspondance 2006-10-24 2 48
Correspondance 2007-07-20 9 225
Correspondance 2008-03-10 2 48
Correspondance 2007-12-10 2 40
Correspondance 2008-04-09 1 12
Correspondance 2008-09-05 1 23
Correspondance 2011-06-03 2 65