Shoulder Stability Evaluation Using Accelerometer and Vibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for evaluating shoulder joint stability are subjective and lack objective data, relying on examiner experience and providing no normative measures, with imaging techniques only assessing structural integrity but not stress on soft tissues.
Innovation Solution
A system using a three-axis accelerometer attached to the shoulder and a vibrating device to measure a subject's ability to resist vibratory forces, with data processed to classify shoulder stability risk levels compared to normative values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If physical examination and subjective feedback methods are used to evaluate shoulder stability, then the evaluation process is simple and accessible, but the measurement precision and reliability are low due to examiner experience limitations and lack of normative measures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces subjective mechanical physical examination with an objective electronic measurement system using accelerometers and vibratory devices. The accelerometer sensor detects shoulder movement in response to controlled vibrations, converting subjective clinical assessment into quantifiable objective data with normative values for reliable evaluation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vibratory device as an intermediary between the examiner and the shoulder joint. This intermediary applies controlled vibrations that amplify subtle instability movements, allowing the accelerometer to detect and quantify shoulder stability objectively rather than relying on direct manual physical examination.
2Measurement precision
If MRI and CT imaging techniques are used to assess shoulder structure, then structural integrity can be evaluated, but stress on soft tissues cannot be measured as these techniques only provide static pictures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static imaging to dynamic functional assessment. By applying vibratory forces and measuring the shoulder's dynamic response with accelerometers, the system evaluates soft tissue stress and stability under controlled mechanical loading, providing functional information that static images cannot capture.
3Reliability
If conventional physical examination tests are used to assess shoulder stability, then the evaluation can be performed during initial assessment, but inter-rater reliability is low and no objective normative measures are available
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements objective feedback through electronic sensors that continuously monitor shoulder movement during vibratory testing. The system provides quantifiable data with normative values, eliminating variability between examiners and establishing reliable, standardized criteria for assessing shoulder stability that can be consistently applied across different clinicians.
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 objective evaluation of shoulder stability by quantifying the ability to counteract external forces, offering a reliable and standardized assessment of joint stability.
Implementation Method 1
An accelerometer is attached adjacent the subject's shoulder... Data is obtained from the accelerometer over a predetermined length of time
Implementation Method 2
the subject is provided with a vibrating device that is held in the hand of the subject's outstretched arm... the subject's ability to resist vibratory forces
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to objective evaluation of shoulder stability. An accelerometer is attached adjacent the subject's shoulder and the subject is provided with a vibrating device that is held in the hand of the subject's outstretched arm. The subject is instructed to keep his or her arm as still as possible while holding the vibrating device. Data is obtained from the accelerometer over a predetermined length of time. Using a processor, preferably wirelessly connected to the accelerometer, shoulder stability is evaluated in relation to the subject's ability to resist vibratory forces. In an embodiment, the processor evaluates shoulder stability by averaging measured g-forces obtained from the accelerometer along three axes. The average g-forces across each axis are averaged together to give an overall average. The overall average is compared with available normative values to determine the risk level.