JP2014094095A - Auxiliary tool for x-ray measurement - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a multifunctional auxiliary tool used for X-ray measurement.SOLUTION: An auxiliary tool 40 includes a first block 42 and a second block 44. When they are horizontally connected, the auxiliary tool 40 is inserted under two lower limbs, which allows the lower limbs to be put in a knee bending position naturally. When the two blocks 42 and 44 are vertically connected, a cover structure 68 is covered over the upper part of a holding structure 66. The combination of the two structures allows two feet to be put and kept in a position in which they are twisted inward. The auxiliary tool 40 can be used as a chair or stepstool.

Description

  The present invention relates to an X-ray measurement auxiliary tool, and more particularly to an X-ray measurement auxiliary tool for fixing the posture of a limb of a subject placed on a bed.

  Auxiliary tools are used as necessary in general imaging, bone density measurement, etc. by X-ray irradiation to the subject. When measuring the lumbar spine, the subject is generally laid on his / her back on the imaging table. In that case, a posture in which the knees of both feet are bent is required. This is because if the knee is bent, the lumbar spine can be extended to reduce the degree of curvature of the lumbar spine. Conventionally, in order to cause such a knee bending posture to occur naturally, more specifically, in order to make the inclination angle of the thigh 45 ° or more with respect to the bed surface, a trapezoid or a triangle An auxiliary tool dedicated to lumbar measurement, such as a cushion having a cross section, is inserted under the knee (see Patent Document 1).

  When the femur is measured, the subject is laid on his / her back on the imaging table. In that case, it is required to twist each foot so that the toes of both feet rotate inwardly (to approach each other). In order to form and maintain such a torsional posture, an auxiliary tool dedicated to femoral measurement is used. Such an assisting tool has two slopes sandwiched between both feet. Each foot is in a torsional posture by bringing the inside of each foot into contact with the slope. In order to maintain the twisted posture, each foot is fixed by a belt or the like.

  When measuring the forearm bone (mainly the rib), an auxiliary tool dedicated to forearm bone measurement is installed on the imaging table, and it has a grip gripped by the subject (see Patent Document 2). Using such an auxiliary tool, the forearm is placed horizontally on the imaging table. In this state, the forearm is irradiated with X-rays.

JP-A-1-223939 JP 2004-16392 A

  As described above, conventionally, a dedicated auxiliary tool is prepared for each measurement target part, and it is complicated because the auxiliary tool needs to be replaced when the measurement target part is different. Moreover, since it is necessary to prepare a plurality of types of auxiliary tools, it is necessary to secure a large storage space for storing them.

  An object of the present invention is to realize a multifunctional auxiliary tool. Alternatively, an object of the present invention is to enable fixation of a plurality of parts in a subject with one auxiliary tool.

  The present invention, in an instrument for assisting X-ray measurement of a subject, includes a first block and a second block that are connected in a horizontal direction at the time of lumbar measurement and connected in a vertical direction at the time of femur measurement. A horizontal connection body composed of the first block and the second block connected in the horizontal direction is inserted into the lower side of at least one lower limb so that the lower limb is maintained in a bending posture, and at the time of measuring the femur The vertical connection body including the first block and the second block connected in the vertical direction holds a distal end portion of at least one lower limb in a torsion posture.

  According to the said structure, a 1st block and a 2nd block are connected to a horizontal direction at the time of a lumbar vertebrae measurement, and a horizontal coupling body is comprised, thereby, the knee bending attitude | position of a leg can be assisted. At the time of measuring the femur, the first block and the second block are connected in the vertical direction to form a vertical connection body, whereby the torsion posture of the lower limb can be maintained. Thus, it becomes possible to change the connection mode in an auxiliary tool, and to make an auxiliary tool exhibit a some fixed function. If the vertical connector is configured, the storage space can be reduced when the auxiliary tool is not used. It is also possible to use the horizontal connection body as a chair or a step. The distal end is basically the heel-to-toe portion. With the above configuration, an auxiliary tool having a plurality of fixing functions can be realized. In addition, when a horizontal coupling body is configured, a measurement chamber may be formed therein, and the forearm may be held and fixed there.

  Preferably, each of the first block and the second block has a vertical cross section having a trapezoidal shape. According to this structure, as a whole auxiliary tool, a connection slope is constituted on the front side, and a connection slope is constituted also on the rear side. When the subject in the supine state is in a knee bending posture, the front connecting slope is in contact with the back side of the thigh, and the rear connecting slope is in contact with the calf.

  Preferably, the first block includes a recess in which the heel at the distal end is accommodated, and a slope to which an inner side surface at the distal end is applied in order to make the lower limb a torsion posture. The second block includes a restraining member that limits toe opening movement at the distal end to maintain the tilted state of the distal end. According to this configuration, the distal end portion in the twisted posture can be reliably fixed by the cooperation of the depression and the slope formed in the first block and the restraining member formed in the second block.

  Preferably, the restraining member is a cover member that houses a toe at the distal end. A mechanism for raising and lowering the cover member may be provided. The restraining member may be constituted by a belt or the like. In any case, it is desirable that the state where the distal end is in contact with the inclined surface is maintained. Desirably, an inner slope that contacts the toes and pushes the toes toward the slope is provided inside the cover member. According to this configuration, when the cover is covered, the inner inclined surface hits the little finger side (or outer side surface) of the distal end portion, and the inner side surface of the distal end portion is naturally pressed against the inclined surface side. That is, the distal end is constrained.

  Preferably, the vertical connection body is obtained by stacking the second block in an inverted posture on the first block. According to this structure, a vertical coupling body can be comprised by joining the upper surface of a 1st block and the upper surface of a 2nd block. If the upper surfaces of the two are made the same rectangular shape, for example, no protrusion occurs at the time of surface joining. A hinge or the like may be provided between the first block and the second block in order to cause the second block to fall. A planar fastener, a mechanical engagement structure, a magnet, or the like can be used to form a horizontal connection state and a vertical connection state of the first block and the second block.

  Preferably, the vertical connector holds left and right distal ends of left and right lower limbs in a torsional posture, and the first block includes first and left heels at the left and right distal ends. A second depression, and first and second slopes to which the left and right inner side surfaces of the left and right distal ends are applied in order to place the left and right lower limbs in a twisted posture, and the second block includes: In order to maintain the inclined state of the left and right distal ends, a member for restricting the opening movement of the left and right toes at the left and right distal ends is included.

  According to the present invention, a multifunctional auxiliary tool can be realized. Alternatively, a plurality of parts in the subject can be fixed with one auxiliary tool.

It is a block diagram which shows the bone density measuring apparatus with which the X-ray-measuring auxiliary tool which concerns on this invention is applied. It is a figure which shows suitable embodiment of the auxiliary tool which concerns on this invention, and is a figure which shows a horizontal connection state. It is a figure which shows the vertical connection state of the auxiliary tool shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the 1st usage example of the auxiliary tool shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the 2nd usage example of the auxiliary tool shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the 3rd usage example of the auxiliary tool shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the accommodation state of the auxiliary tool shown in FIG.

  DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a bone evaluation apparatus to which an X-ray measurement auxiliary tool (hereinafter simply referred to as an auxiliary tool) according to the present invention is applied. This bone density measuring device is a device that is installed in a medical institution and measures bone density (bone mineral content) by irradiating X-rays to the lumbar spine, femur, ribs, etc. of a human body as a subject. The auxiliary tool may be used in general X-ray imaging, and may be used in other measurements. As will be described later, the assisting device according to the present embodiment is used when forming a knee bending state of both lower limbs and an inner twisted state of both lower limbs, and has a composite function.

  In FIG. 1, the bone density measuring apparatus includes a measuring unit 10 and a control unit 12. The measurement unit 10 includes a bed 13 installed on a floor surface, and the bed 13 includes a mounting table (mounting plate) 14 and leg portions 15 that support the mounting table 14. For example, the subject 16 is placed on the placing table 14 in the bed 13 in a supine posture. Reference numeral 16A denotes a bone to be measured. For example, it is a lumbar vertebra. When measuring the lumbar spine, both feet are placed in a knee-bending state so that it is in a naturally stretched state, and an auxiliary tool is inserted under both feet to form and maintain it. When measuring the femur of one or both feet, both feet are in a torsional state, and aids are used to hold or fix the heels and toes of each foot. When the forearm is to be measured, the subject's forearm is placed on the mounting table 14 while the subject is sitting on a chair. Auxiliary tools are used to position the arm and maintain its posture. In the present embodiment, one auxiliary tool functions to selectively form and maintain the postures of the three parts.

  An X-ray generator 18 is provided below the mounting table 14, and an X-ray detector 22 is provided above the subject accommodation space 20 on the mounting table 14. In the illustrated example, the X-ray generator 18 generates a fan beam having a two-dimensional divergent shape as an X-ray beam. A conical cone beam may be formed. The X-ray generator 18 generates high energy X-rays and low energy X-rays alternately. The X-ray detector 22 includes a plurality of X-ray sensors arranged one-dimensionally. A plurality of sensors arranged two-dimensionally may be used. The X-ray generator 18 may be provided above the subject 16 and the X-ray detector 22 may be provided below the subject 16. In the present embodiment, the X-ray generator 18 and the X-ray detector 22 are held by the slide mechanism 24. The slide mechanism 24 includes an arm 24A that extends in the X direction, a support column 24B that extends in the Z direction, and an arm 24C that extends in the X direction. The X-ray generator 18 is fixed to the arm 24A, and the X-ray detector 22 is fixed to the arm 24C. The slide mechanism 24 slides in the Y direction as a horizontal direction orthogonal to the X direction. It may further slide in the X direction.

  The control unit 26 controls the operation of each component shown in FIG. In particular, the operations of the X-ray generator 18 and the slide mechanism 24 are controlled. The image forming unit 28 is a module that generates an image representing a two-dimensional distribution of bone mineral density based on X-ray detection data. Such an image is displayed on the display unit 30. Further, the display unit 30 displays the average bone density and the like as numerical values.

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the auxiliary tool according to the present embodiment. The auxiliary tool 40 has a trapezoidal shape on the yz plane and a substantially rectangular shape on the xz plane. The auxiliary tool 40 realizes a plurality of fixing functions. In the present embodiment, the auxiliary tool 40 has a function of maintaining the knee bending posture of both feet and a function of maintaining the twisting posture of both feet. The auxiliary tool 40 includes a first block 42 and a second block 44 arranged in the x direction in FIG. 2. In FIG. 2, those horizontal connection states are shown, and in FIG. 3 to be described later, their vertical connection states are shown. These blocks 42 and 44 are comprised by X-ray transmissive members, such as resin. They may be composed of X-ray shielding members. The inside of each block 42 and 44 may be a cavity.

  In the horizontally connected state shown in FIG. 2, the auxiliary tool 40 has inclined surfaces 46 and 52 arranged in the front-rear direction. The tilt angle (inclination angle) of each of the slopes 46 and 52 is set within a range of 45 to 60 degrees, for example. The slopes 46 and 52 are used when forming a knee bending posture. For example, the back side of the thighs of two legs is brought into contact with the slope 46 and the calves of two legs are brought into contact with the slope 52. . The slope 46 is a connection surface of two slopes 48 and 50 arranged in the x direction, and the slope 52 is also a connection surface of two slopes arranged in the x direction. A mechanical fixing mechanism (engaging structure) is provided on the coupling surface 45 of the two blocks 42 and 44. The connected state may be formed by a planar fastener or the like. A hinge may be provided on the upper side of the coupling surface 45. The upper surface of the auxiliary tool 40 is a connecting surface of the two upper surfaces 60 and 62, which is a horizontal plane.

  A holding structure 66 is provided at one end of the auxiliary tool 40, specifically, at the end of the first block 42. The holding structure 66 includes a right foot holding part 70 and a left foot holding part 72. An intermediate wall 74 is provided between them. The right foot holding part 70 has a recess 76 that accommodates the heel of the right foot, and has an inclined surface 74R with which the inner surface on the thumb side abuts. The slope 74R is one side surface of the intermediate wall 74. The inclination angle (inclination angle) of the slope 74R is, for example, 20 degrees. That is, a posture in which the right foot is twisted inward is formed. The sharp surface 80 is a surface on which the back of the distal end (from the heel to the toe) of the right foot is abutted. A raised portion 84 is formed outside the recess 76. Similarly to the above, the left foot holding portion 72 has a recess 78 that accommodates the heel of the left foot, and an inclined surface 74L with which the inner surface on the thumb side abuts. The inclined surface 74L is the other side surface of the intermediate wall 74. The inclination angle (inclination angle) of the inclined surface 74L is, for example, 20 degrees. That is, a posture in which the left foot is twisted inward is formed. The sharp face 82 is a face against which the back of the distal end (from the heel to the toe) of the left foot is abutted. A raised portion 86 is formed on the outside of the recess 78. The upper portions of the ridges 84 and 86 are open, and the two distal ends of the two legs can be set to the two holding portions 70 and 72 through the space. A tapered surface 74 </ b> H is formed on the upper portion of the intermediate wall 74. The intermediate wall 74 has a tapered shape (approximately triangular shape on the yz plane) from the bottom to the top.

  On the other hand, a cover structure 68 is formed at the other end of the auxiliary tool 40, that is, at the end of the second block 44. The cover structure 68 has a cover member (cap member) 88 that opens upward when the second block 44 is in an upright state. The cover member 88 has a tapered triangular shape from the upper side to the lower side on the YZ plane. The outer shape and the inner shape of the cover member 88 are substantially similar. In the internal shape, both end faces in the y direction constitute inner slopes. The cover member 88 is a hollow member, and the inside thereof is the accommodating portion 90. Above that is an opening.

  FIG. 3 shows a vertically connected state of the auxiliary tool shown in FIG. That is, the inverted second block 44 is placed on the first block 42. In the auxiliary tool 40A in such a vertically connected state, the holding structure 66 and the cover structure 68 are used in combination. Specifically, the upper space of the right foot holding portion 70 and the left foot holding portion 72 is covered with a cover member 88, and the toes of two feet are accommodated in the accommodating portion that is the internal space of the cover member 88. As described above, the two holding portions 70 and 72 have the two inclined surfaces 70A and 70B formed on the intermediate wall.

  In order to form the vertical connection state shown in FIG. 3 and the horizontal connection state shown in FIG. 2, that is, in order to change the state, a hinge may be provided between the two blocks. You may make it provide other engaging members, such as a planar fastener. In this embodiment, the cover member 88 is fixed to the second block 44. However, the cover member 88 may be configured to move in the vertical direction with respect to the main body of the second block 44. In some cases, the cover member 88 may be configured to be biased downward in FIG.

  FIG. 4 shows a first example of use of the auxiliary tool 40 shown in FIG. An auxiliary tool 40 is inserted under the two legs of the subject 94. Due to the action of the two slopes 46 and 52, the two legs are naturally in a knee-bending state. Specifically, the back side of the thigh 94A is in contact with the slope 46, and the back side of the lower knee portion 94B, The calf is in contact with the slope 52. Of course, even when the feet are not always in contact with these slopes, the assisting device 40 has a trapezoidal vertical cross section, so that the knee bending posture can be formed and maintained naturally. is there. The posture may be such that the lower knee portion 94B is pulled upward. Such an auxiliary tool 40 is actually installed on a mounting table.

  FIG. 5 shows a second use example of the auxiliary tool shown in FIG. A distal end portion of the right foot 96 is held by the right foot holding portion 70. Specifically, the heel is dropped into the depression, and the inner side surface on the thumb side is in contact with the slope. In order to maintain such a posture, the inner slope 68R of the cover member 68 functions, that is, the inner slope 68R presses the little finger side obliquely downward. Thereby, the posture twisted inward is maintained. Similarly, in the left foot 98, the heel is dropped into the depression, and the inner side surface on the thumb side is in contact with the slope. In order to maintain such a posture, the inner slope 68L in the cover member 68 functions, that is, the inner slope 68L presses the little finger side of the left foot diagonally downward. You may make it accommodate the cushioning material etc. which have an elastic effect | action inside the cover member 68. FIG. According to the above configuration, it is possible to form a structure that accommodates and holds the toes of the foot by simply connecting the second block 44 to the first block 42 in a falling posture.

  FIG. 6 shows a third usage example of the auxiliary tool 40 shown in FIG. For example, a gentle depression is formed in the central portion of the top plate 58, and the auxiliary tool 40 can function as a chair. The auxiliary unit 40 is installed on the floor surface 98. In the subject 94 sitting on such an auxiliary tool 40, the forearm 96 is placed on the mounting table 14, and X-ray measurement is performed on the forearm in such a posture.

  FIG. 7 shows the auxiliary tool 40A in the vertically connected state, and the installation area is minimized in the vertically connected state as shown in the figure. For example, the auxiliary tool 40A is used by using an empty space on the mounting table 14. 40A can be stored. In FIG. 7, an examinee 94 is lying on his / her back on the bed 13 and an auxiliary tool 40A is installed using a dead space generated around the subject 94.

  According to the above-described embodiment, a single auxiliary tool can be multi-functionalized. In particular, the function can be changed by changing the combination. Specifically, in a horizontally connected state, the knee bending posture can be naturally formed by being inserted below the two lower limbs. If a vertically connected state is formed, the two legs can be formed and maintained in a twisted posture by the combination of the holding structure and the cover structure described above. Furthermore, it is possible to make the auxiliary tool function as a chair or a step.

  40 Auxiliary tool (X-ray measurement auxiliary tool), 46,52 Slope, 42 1st block, 44 2nd block, 66 Holding structure, 68 Cover structure, 70 Right foot holding part, 72 Left foot holding part, 88 Cover member.

Claims (7)

In an instrument that assists X-ray measurement of a subject,
A first block and a second block connected in a horizontal direction when measuring a lumbar spine and connected in a vertical direction when measuring a femur;
At the time of measuring the lumbar vertebrae, a horizontal connecting body composed of the first block and the second block connected in the horizontal direction is inserted into the lower side of at least one lower limb so that the lower limb is maintained in a bending posture,
During the measurement of the femur, a vertical connection body including the first block and the second block connected in the vertical direction holds a distal end portion of at least one lower limb in a torsion posture.
X-ray measurement auxiliary tool characterized by the above. The X-ray measurement auxiliary tool according to claim 1,
Each of the first block and the second block has a vertical cross section having a trapezoidal shape,
X-ray measurement auxiliary tool characterized by the above. The X-ray measurement auxiliary tool according to claim 1 or 2,
The first block is:
A recess in which the folds at the distal end are received;
A slope to which the inner side surface of the distal end is applied in order to make the lower limb a torsion posture;
Including
The second block includes a restraining member that limits a toe opening movement at the distal end to maintain the tilted state of the distal end.
X-ray measurement auxiliary tool characterized by the above. The X-ray measurement auxiliary tool according to claim 3,
The restraining member is a cover member that houses a toe at the distal end,
X-ray measurement auxiliary tool characterized by the above. The X-ray measurement auxiliary tool according to claim 4,
An inner slope is provided inside the cover member to contact the toes and push the toes to the slope side.
X-ray measurement auxiliary tool characterized by the above. The X-ray measurement auxiliary tool according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The vertical connection body is a stack of the second blocks in an inverted posture on the first blocks.
X-ray measurement auxiliary tool characterized by the above. The X-ray measurement auxiliary tool according to claim 1 or 2,
The vertical connector holds the left and right distal ends of the left and right lower limbs in a torsion posture,
The first block is:
First and second depressions for receiving left and right ridges at the left and right distal ends;
First and second slopes to which the left and right inner side surfaces of the left and right distal ends are applied in order to turn the left and right lower limbs into a twisted posture;
Including
The second block includes a member that restricts the opening movement of the left and right toes at the left and right distal ends in order to maintain the inclined state of the left and right distal ends.
X-ray measurement auxiliary tool characterized by the above.

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