Bone Fracture Detection Using Backscattered Near-Infrared Light
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical diagnostic methods for detecting bone fractures, such as X-ray evaluations, are costly, cumbersome, and expose patients to unnecessary radiation, while non-X-ray devices like ultrasound lack ease of use and accuracy due to variability in human tissue characteristics and user technique.
Innovation Solution
A device utilizing backscattered near-infrared (NIR) light to detect bone fractures by measuring insertion loss and phase difference, determining the presence of a fracture, edema, or healthy tissue based on calculated thresholds, employing a multi-wavelength laser or LED source and an avalanche photodiode detector with a network analyzer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If X-ray evaluations are used to detect bone fractures, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but patients are exposed to unnecessary radiation and medical costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the X-ray electromagnetic radiation system with an optical system using near-infrared light. The device uses a light source to emit NIR light that penetrates tissue and reflects off bone, with photodetectors measuring the reflected light properties to detect fractures without ionizing radiation exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from X-ray absorption patterns to near-infrared light reflection characteristics. By measuring the intensity, phase, and timing of NIR light reflected from bone tissue, the system identifies fracture conditions through optical parameter variations rather than radiological imaging.
2Ease of manufacture
If ultrasound devices are used for bone imaging, then the device becomes portable and less expensive, but the device requires expert training and lacks accuracy due to tissue variability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal optical detection system that works across diverse tissue types and patient anatomies. The NIR light penetration and reflection properties provide consistent bone imaging capability regardless of soft tissue variations, eliminating the need for expert interpretation while maintaining portability and low cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses optical reflection to create an indirect copy of bone structure information. The NIR light reflects off the bone surface and subsurface structures, carrying information about bone integrity that can be detected and analyzed without requiring direct visualization or expert ultrasound interpretation skills.
3Measurement precision
If X-ray or ultrasound devices are used, then bone fractures can be detected, but the devices are cumbersome and require complex operational procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical imaging systems (X-ray generators, ultrasound transducers) with a simplified optical system. The device uses lightweight NIR light sources and photodetectors that can be easily positioned on the patient, eliminating the need for heavy equipment while maintaining fracture detection capability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Provides a simple, low-cost, and portable method for accurately indicating the likelihood of bone fractures with reduced radiation exposure, tolerant of variability in user technique and tissue characteristics, offering sensitive and specific results.
Implementation Method 1
An incident beam of near infrared light is generated by a light source
Implementation Method 2
a backscattered beam of near infrared light is received from the body part. The backscattered beam of near infrared light also has a backscattered amplitude, A BS , and a backscattered phase, Φ BS , associated therewith
Data Source
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AI summary
The method of detecting bone fractures using backscattered light makes use of backscattered near infrared (NIR) light to determine if a body part of a patient is healthy, has a bone fracture, or has an edema. An incident beam of near infrared light is generated by a light source, and has both an incident amplitude and an incident phase. The incident beam of NIR light is directed toward the patient's body part, and a backscattered beam of NIR light is received from the body part. The backscattered beam of NIR light has a backscattered amplitude and a backscattered phase. The determination of whether the body part is healthy, has a bone fracture or has an edema is made based on the level of absorption of the incident beam of NIR light and/or based on the amount of scattering, based on the phase difference, of the incident beam of NIR light.