DE102019125509A1 - Positioning device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for the repeatable alignment and positioning of an arm in an imaging examination method, in particular in the case of a plurality of X-ray images of the same arm, comprising: a first positioning aid (1) for engaging a first part of the arm, in particular for engaging the ulna close to the elbow or the Elbow itself, a second positioning aid (2) for engaging a second part of the arm, in particular for engaging the hand, a base frame (3) on which the first positioning aid (1) and the second positioning aid (2) are attached, one of which Radiation passage area (4) surrounded by the base frame (3) is provided, the entire radiation passage area (4) for electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength of less than 100 nm, in particular less than 10 nm, having a homogeneous transmission rate. The invention further relates to an arrangement of the device with a device for an imaging examination method.

Description

The invention relates to a device for the repeatable alignment and positioning of an arm in an imaging examination method, and the arrangement of a device according to the invention with a device for an imaging examination method.

Imaging examination methods are widely used in modern medical diagnostics. These include, for example, X-ray-based techniques or magnetic resonance imaging. Often, several examinations of the relevant part of the body or the relevant region of the body are necessary during a certain period of time in order to be able to determine a progress in treatment. In particular, this may be necessary, for example, in the case of fractures in extremities in which the progress of healing must be determined.

Since there can usually be several days or weeks between successive examinations, the positioning of the corresponding body part or the corresponding body region can change, which makes it more difficult to compare the resulting images. In particular, details may be difficult to recognize in images with different positions of the examination object. It is therefore advantageous if the position of the examination object is essentially the same for each examination in order to enable the resulting images to be better compared.

Devices are known from the prior art which enable a repeatable alignment of a body part. However, the flexibility of adaptation is limited in these devices. For example, the size and shape of a dressing can change when it is changed. If the body part provided with the bandage is now placed exactly on the device, a change in the shape of the bandage results in a different orientation of the body part. In addition, conventional devices may also interfere with the radiation from the device for creating the image.

The object of the invention is now to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art and to provide a device for the repeatable alignment and positioning of an arm in an imaging examination method, which enables a flexible but repeatable adjustability without impairing the imaging method.

The object of the invention is achieved by the features of the independent claim.

• - eine erste Positionierhilfe zur Anlage eines ersten Teils des Arms, insbesondere zur Anlage der dem Ellenbogen nahen Elle oder des Ellenbogens selbst,
• - eine zweite Positionierhilfe zur Anlage eines zweiten Teils des Arms, insbesondere zur Anlage der Hand,
• - einen Grundrahmen, an dem die erste Positionierhilfe und die zweite Positionierhilfe angebracht sind.

In particular, the invention relates to a device for the repeatable alignment and positioning of an arm in an imaging examination method, in particular in the case of a plurality of X-ray images of the same arm, comprising:

• a first positioning aid for positioning a first part of the arm, in particular for positioning the ulna close to the elbow or the elbow itself,
• a second positioning aid for contacting a second part of the arm, in particular for contacting the hand,
• - A base frame on which the first positioning aid and the second positioning aid are attached.

It is preferably provided that a radiation passage area surrounded by the base frame is provided, the entire radiation passage area for electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength of less than 100 nm, in particular less than 10 nm, having a homogeneous transmission rate.

It is optionally provided that the first positioning aid comprises at least two support elements, the position of the support elements being mutually changeable.

It is optionally provided that the second positioning aid is designed as a handle, the handle being arranged to be movable, in particular rotatable.

If necessary, it is provided that the second positioning aid, in particular the handle, is arranged to be infinitely movable, in particular infinitely rotatable.

If appropriate, it is provided that the handle comprises a position indicator which is designed to display the position, in particular the angular position, of the handle.

It may be provided that the first positioning aid is arranged along the axis of rotation of the handle.

If necessary, it is provided that a releasable locking device is provided, by means of which the handle can be locked in any position.

If necessary, it is provided that the support elements of the first positioning aid to each other are angularly arranged support plates, the angle between two support plates being changeable, preferably changeable between 20 ° and 160 °.

If appropriate, it is provided that the radiation passage area for electromagnetic radiation of less than 100 nm, in particular less than 10 nm, has a transmission rate of at least 60%, preferably of at least 80%.

If appropriate, it is provided that the radiation passage area is arranged at least partially, preferably completely, between the first positioning aid and the second positioning aid.

If appropriate, it is provided that the base frame comprises at least a first frame element and a second frame element, the position of the first frame element being changeable relative to the second frame element, and preferably the first positioning aid or the second positioning aid being arranged on the first frame element.

It may be provided that the position of the first positioning aid on the base frame can be changed.

It may be provided that the distance between the first positioning aid and the second positioning aid can be changed.

If appropriate, it is provided that the radiation passage area is formed as a passage opening with an empty space filled with the ambient atmosphere.

It is optionally provided that the handle comprises a tilting element which is designed to enable the handle to tilt relative to its axis of rotation.

The invention optionally relates to an arrangement of a device according to the invention with a device for an imaging examination method, in particular with an X-ray device, wherein a beam path of the device for an imaging examination method is arranged running through the radiation passage area.

According to the invention, the device comprises a first positioning aid and a second positioning aid. The first positioning aid is designed to rest a first part of the arm, which can be the first part of the arm, in particular the elbow or an area near the elbow. Furthermore, the second positioning aid is designed to bear a second part of the arm. That second part of the arm can preferably be the respective hand. According to the invention, the first positioning aid and the second positioning aid are arranged on a base frame which defines the position of the positioning aids in relation to one another.

In order to enable a more flexible application, such as an adaptation to the arm length, it may be provided that the position of the first positioning aid and the second positioning aid can be changed relative to one another. For example, it can be provided that the distance between the first positioning aid and the second positioning aid can be changed.

This can be achieved in particular in that the base frame comprises a first frame element and a second frame element, the position of which can be changed and fixed relative to one another. It is advantageous if the two positioning aids are arranged on different frame elements. If necessary, the first frame element can be displaceable relative to the second frame element by means of a displacement device. If necessary, locking openings can be provided in a frame element, into which locking bolts of the other locking element can engage.

In order to be able to place the first part of the arm, in particular the elbow or an area near the elbow, in a stable manner on the first positioning aid, the first positioning aid can optionally comprise two adjustable, in particular separate, support elements. The position of the support elements can preferably be changed relative to one another. If necessary, it can be provided that the distance between the support elements can be changed. The support elements can be designed as support plates or comprise support plates. The angle between two support plates can be changed. With these means for adjusting the first positioning aid, an optimal adjustment of the first part of the arm can be achieved. In particular, this can be important if the condition of the arm changes between two examinations, for example if a plaster cast or other stabilizing agent is removed or added, or if there is a swelling or other medical need for such a procedure.

The support elements or the support plates can optionally have upholstery, padded surfaces or the like to increase the comfort for the patient. If necessary, a medical indication can include upholstery, padded surfaces or the like demand, for example when certain parts of the arm are particularly sensitive to pressure.

In order to be able to precisely adjust the position of the second part of the arm, in particular the hand, it can be provided that the second positioning aid comprises a handle or is designed as a handle. The patient to be examined can then grip the handle with his hand, thereby stabilizing the position of the arm. The handle can be rotatably arranged so that the hand can be brought into different positions. This can be advantageous because when the hand is turned, the ulna and spoke of the corresponding arm have different positions relative to one another. In order to be able to reproducibly set the rotational position of the handle, the second positioning aid can optionally include a position indicator. This can indicate the angular position of the handle.

If necessary, the handle can comprise a tilting element, which makes it possible to adapt the angular position of the handle relative to its axis of rotation, that is to say in particular to tilt the handle relative to the axis of rotation. Alternatively, it can also be provided that the handle is designed to be interchangeable, wherein handles with different tilt angles can be used. The tilt angle can in particular be the angle at which the handle is arranged relative to its axis of rotation. The tilt angle can preferably be between 70 ° and 90 °, particularly preferably between 80 ° and 90 °.

According to the invention it can be provided that the first positioning aid is arranged along the axis of rotation of the handle. It is thereby achieved that the arm to be examined is positioned essentially in a straight line, that is to say without substantial flexion of the wrist.

Between the first positioning aid and the second positioning aid, a radiation passage area is provided according to the invention, which has a homogeneous transmission rate for the electromagnetic radiation of the imaging examination method. This can mean, in particular, that the transmission rate varies by less than 10%, in particular by less than 5%, over the entire extent of the radiation passage area.

In a preferred embodiment, the radiation passage area can be designed as an empty space which is not closed off and is filled with air. The radiation passage area can extend between the first positioning aid and the second positioning aid. In particular, the radiation passage area can extend in that area in which an image of the arm is to be created.

In alternative embodiments of the invention, the radiation passage area can also comprise a radiation-permeable window. This can be formed, for example, from a polymer that is essentially transparent to X-rays, such as Kapton®. In order not to impair the image quality excessively, the radiation passage area can have a transmission of at least 60%, in particular of at least 80%, preferably of at least 90%, for the electromagnetic radiation of the imaging examination method used.

The device according to the invention can preferably be arranged in the beam path of a device for an imaging examination method. The beam path can then in particular run through the radiation passage area of the device. It can be provided that the central beam runs orthogonally to the plane spanned by the base frame. The central beam runs in the center of a diverging beam, in particular in the main direction of propagation of a beam.

Further features of the invention emerge from the figures, the description of the exemplary embodiment and from the patent claims.

The present invention is further discussed below using an exemplary embodiment.

• 1 eine perspektivische Darstellung eines ersten Ausführungsbeispiels;
• 2 eine seitliche Ansicht des ersten Ausführungsbeispiels;
• 3 eine weitere seitliche Ansicht des ersten Ausführungsbeispiels;
• 4 eine Aufsicht des ersten Ausführungsbeispiels von unten.

Show it:

• 1 a perspective view of a first embodiment;
• 2nd a side view of the first embodiment;
• 3rd another side view of the first embodiment;
• 4th a top view of the first embodiment from below.

Unless otherwise stated, the figures show the following elements: first positioning aid 1 , second positioning aid 2nd , Base frame 3rd , Radiation passage area 4th , Support element 5 , Handle 6 , Position indicator 7 , Axis of rotation 8th , Locking device 9 , Support plate 10th , first frame element 11 , second frame element 12th , Through opening 13 , Rest openings 14 , Locking pin 15 , Tilt angle 16 , Tilting element 17th .

1 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of the present invention. The 2nd , 3rd and 4th show the first embodiment in further views.

The device according to the first exemplary embodiment of the invention is designed for use in an X-ray device.

The device comprises a first positioning aid 1 and a second positioning aid 2nd . The first positioning aid 1 is on a first frame element 11 arranged and the second positioning aid 2nd is on a second frame element 12th arranged. The two frame elements 11 , 12th are part of a basic framework 3rd , which has a radiation passage area 4th encloses.

The first positioning aid 1 and the second positioning aid 2nd are mutually changeable in their position since the first frame element 11 and the second frame element 12th are mutually changeable in their position. These are in the first frame element 11 Rest openings 14 provided in which locking bolts 15 of the second frame element 12th can intervene. By different positioning of the frame elements 11 , 12th to each other, the distance between the positioning aids 1 , 2nd can be set. Through the execution by means of locking openings 14 engaging locking pin 15 the distance is gradually adjustable.

In this exemplary embodiment, the first positioning aid comprises 1 two support elements 5 with one support plate each 10th . The support elements 5 are mutually changeable in their position. For this purpose, the first frame element 11 more rest openings 14 provided in which locking bolts 15 of the support elements 5 can intervene. In particular, the distance between the two support elements 5 to be changed.

In this embodiment, the angle between the support plates is 10th about 120 °. In other embodiments, not shown, the angle between the support plates 10th be changeable.

The second positioning aid 2nd includes a handle 6 which the patient can grasp with his hand during the examination. In order to be able to adjust the position of the hand relative to the rest of the arm, the handle is 6 rotatably arranged. About the rotational position of the handle 6 Being able to determine is a position indicator 7 provided, which is designed in this embodiment as an angle scale. To fix the turning position of the handle 6 can be a locking device 9 , such as a positively or frictionally acting arrangement, can be provided. For example, a locking screw can be provided, which is screwed into an internal thread, the internal thread being provided on a fixed part. By turning the locking screw, it can be brought into contact with a moving part, whereby it is clamped or locked by the locking screw.

The handle 6 is about an axis of rotation 8th rotatable, on which the first positioning aid is preferred 1 lies. This results in an essentially linear arrangement of the arm.

The radiation passage area 4th is in this embodiment as a through opening 13 formed, which represents an empty space that is filled with ambient atmosphere.

When using the device according to the first exemplary embodiment of the invention in an X-ray device for imaging an examination of a patient, the device is first positioned such that the beam path of the X-ray device passes through the radiation passage area 4th runs. In order to avoid any shadowing from elements of the device, the beam path is essentially orthogonal to the plane through the base frame 3rd is spanned.

Once the position of the device is determined, the arm can be positioned. For this purpose, the patient guides the arm over the device and embraces the handle 6 with his hand while he put his elbow on the two support plates 10th the first positioning aid 1 creates. Due to the V-shaped arrangement of the support plates 10th the elbow is held in a defined position and centered.

Then the actual examination can take place. In the case of a follow-up examination of the same patient, the device is advantageously set in the same way if the condition of the arm has not changed.

The handle is in the standard position 6 in a vertical orientation, as shown in the figures. If necessary, however, a different rotational position can be set if the examination so requires.

To the position of the handle 6 To be able to adjust further, the tilt angle is preferred 16 of the handle 6 adjustable. The tilt angle 16 of the handle 6 is 90 ° in this embodiment, so the handle stands 6 perpendicular to the axis of rotation 8th . Through the tilting element 17th can change the angular position of the handle 6 relative to the axis of rotation 8th be adjusted.

It is not possible for the patient to place his elbow on the first positioning aid 1 to put on while holding the handle 6 the second positioning aid 2nd grips, the distance between the positioning aids 1 , 2nd be adjusted. This can be done by loosening the locking bolts 15 from the locking openings 14 and changing the position of the frame members 11 , 12th respectively.

The height of the elbow can be determined by the position of the support elements 5 the first positioning aid 1 can be adjusted to each other. This can be particularly helpful if, for example, the patient wears a changed bandage during an examination, which would significantly increase the position of the elbow.

Claims (16)

Device for the repeatable alignment and positioning of an arm in an imaging examination method, in particular in the case of a plurality of X-ray images of the same arm, comprising: a first positioning aid (1) for contacting a first part of the arm, in particular for contacting the ulna close to the elbow or the elbow itself, a second positioning aid (2) for engaging a second part of the arm, in particular for engaging the hand, a base frame (3) on which the first positioning aid (1) and the second positioning aid (2) are attached, characterized in that that a radiation passage area (4) surrounded by the base frame (3) is provided, the entire radiation passage area (4) for electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength of less than 100 nm, in particular less than 10 nm, having a homogeneous transmission rate. Device after Claim 1 , characterized in that the first positioning aid (1) comprises at least two support elements (5), the position of the support elements (5) being mutually changeable. Device after Claim 1 or 2nd , characterized in that the second positioning aid (2) is designed as a handle (6), the handle (6) being arranged to be movable, in particular rotatable. Device according to one of the Claims 1 to 3rd , characterized in that the second positioning aid (2), in particular the handle (6), is arranged to be infinitely movable, in particular infinitely rotatable. Device according to one of the Claims 3 or 4th , characterized in that the handle (6) comprises a position indicator (7) which is designed to display the position, in particular the angular position, of the handle (6). Device according to one of the Claims 3 to 5 , characterized in that the first positioning aid (1) is arranged along the axis of rotation (8) of the handle (6). Device according to one of the Claims 3 to 6 , characterized in that a releasable locking device (9) is provided, by means of which the handle (6) can be locked in any position. Device according to one of the Claims 1 to 7 , characterized in that the support elements (5) of the first positioning aid (1) are support plates (10) arranged at an angle to one another, the angle between two support plates (10) being variable, preferably variable between 20 ° and 160 °. Device according to one of the Claims 1 to 8th , characterized in that the radiation passage area (4) for electromagnetic radiation of less than 100 nm, in particular less than 10 nm, has a transmission rate of at least 60%, preferably of at least 80%. Device according to one of the Claims 1 to 9 , characterized in that the radiation passage area (4) is at least partially, preferably completely, arranged between the first positioning aid (1) and the second positioning aid (2). Device according to one of the Claims 1 to 10th , characterized in that the base frame (3) comprises at least a first frame element (11) and a second frame element (12), the position of the first frame element (11) relative to the second frame element (12) being changeable, and preferably the first positioning aid (1) or the second positioning aid (2) is arranged on the first frame element (11). Device according to one of the Claims 1 to 11 , characterized in that the position of the first positioning aid (1) on the base frame (3) can be changed. Device according to one of the Claims 1 to 12th , characterized in that the distance between the first positioning aid (1) and the second positioning aid (2) can be changed. Device according to one of the Claims 1 to 13 , characterized in that the radiation passage area (4) is formed as a passage opening (13) with an empty space filled with ambient atmosphere. Device according to one of the Claims 1 to 14 , characterized in that the handle (6) comprises a tilting element (17) which is designed to allow the handle (6) to tilt relative to its axis of rotation (8). Arrangement of a device according to one of the Claims 1 to 14 with a device for an imaging examination method, in particular with an X-ray device, wherein a beam path of the device for an imaging examination method is arranged running through the radiation passage area (4).

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