Method and System for Characterization of Movements of Body Structures

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This invention is a method and system for tracking and characterizing the movement of body structures — such as bones, joints, or organs — inside a human or animal body. A magnetic material is placed in or on the body structure of interest, so that as the structure moves, the magnetic material moves with it. A magnetic field sensor outside the body detects changes in the magnetic field caused by this movement, allowing precise characterization of the motion without requiring direct visual or mechanical contact with the structure.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Monitoring joint movement in orthopedic patients during rehabilitation to objectively assess recovery progress.
• Tracking the motion of internal organs (e.g., lungs or heart) during radiotherapy to improve targeting accuracy and reduce damage to surrounding tissue.
• Assessing spinal vertebra movement in patients with back disorders to aid diagnosis and treatment planning.
• Measuring jaw or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) movement in dental or maxillofacial medicine.
• Evaluating implant or prosthesis movement in post-surgical follow-up to detect loosening or misalignment.
• Monitoring animal locomotion or internal biomechanics in veterinary research and diagnostics.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Enables non-invasive or minimally invasive motion tracking of deep body structures that are inaccessible to optical or mechanical sensors.
• Provides continuous, real-time motion data without exposing the patient to ionizing radiation (unlike X-ray or CT-based tracking).
• Allows precise, quantitative characterization of movement rather than relying on subjective clinical observation.
• Works through tissue and clothing, making it suitable for both clinical and ambulatory monitoring settings.
• Compatible with both human and veterinary applications, broadening the range of potential uses.
• Small magnetic markers can be implanted or attached with minimal disruption to normal body function.

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a method and a system for characterizing a movement of one or more body structures as well as an associated use. In a method (1) for characterizing a movement (15) of a body structure (2), a magnetic material (8), which is located in or on a body structure (2) in a human or animal body (1), performs a movement (15) together with the body structure (2). Information regarding the movement (15) of the magnetic material (8) is detected by means of a magnetic field sensor (45).