JP3188888U - Bone density measuring device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a bone density measuring device capable of reducing a work amount of measurement preparation. SOLUTION: This is a bone density measuring device 1 for measuring the bone density of one forearm of a person to be measured, and is provided at a position facing an X-ray generating unit 21 and an X-ray generating unit 21 to measure an X-ray dose. A control unit that controls the X-ray detection unit 22 to be detected, the X-ray generation unit 21 and the X-ray detection unit 22, and measures the bone density from the detection result output from the X-ray detection unit 22, and the X-ray generation unit 21. It is provided with a forearm arrangement surface 4 provided between the X-ray detection unit 22 and a grip 10 gripped by the hand of one forearm with one forearm arranged on the forearm arrangement surface 4. The grip 10 can be attached to and detached from the position for measuring the left forearm and the position for measuring the right forearm on the forearm arrangement surface 4. [Selection diagram] Fig. 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a bone density measuring device, and more particularly to a bone density measuring device for measuring the bone density of a forearm.

  The bone density measuring device is a device that measures the amount of bone mineral such as calcium contained in the bones of a human body, and is used, for example, for diagnosis of osteoporosis. As one of the bone density measuring devices, a bone density measuring device using the ribs of the forearm as a measurement target site has been proposed (see Patent Document 1).

JP 2008-22958 A

  In the bone density measuring apparatus described in Patent Document 1, the portion of the radius to be measured is set to a position 1/3 of the forearm length from the ulnar styloid process. Here, the forearm length is defined by the length from the ulnar styloid process to the elbow head. Therefore, when measuring bone density, it is necessary to measure forearm length as well as acquisition of X-ray data. Therefore, in the invention described in Patent Document 1, the grip is held by the hand of the forearm while the forearm is placed on the arrangement table, and the position is adjusted so that the elbow rest hits the elbow of the forearm. Then, the forearm length is measured using the position information of the elbow pads. Therefore, in the invention described in Patent Document 1, preparation work is necessary in which the distance between the grip and the elbow rest is adjusted according to the forearm length of each measurement subject.

  Further, in the bone density measurement, since the rib of the non-dominant arm is usually measured, the arm to be measured differs depending on the person to be measured. Therefore, in the invention described in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to replace the positions of the two parts of the elbow rest and the grip when measuring the right forearm and when measuring the left forearm.

  This invention is made | formed in view of such a condition, and it aims at providing the bone density measuring apparatus which can reduce the workload of a measurement preparation.

  In order to achieve the above object, one aspect of the bone density measuring apparatus according to the present invention is a bone density measuring apparatus for measuring the bone density of one forearm of a measurement subject, comprising: an X-ray generator; An X-ray detector provided at a position opposite to the X-ray generator, for detecting an X-ray dose, and controlling the X-ray generator and the X-ray detector, and from a detection result output from the X-ray detector A control unit for measuring bone density, a forearm arrangement surface provided between the X-ray generation unit and the X-ray detection unit, and the one forearm arranged on the forearm arrangement surface, A grip gripped by the hand of the forearm, and the grip is detachable at a position for measuring the left forearm and a position for measuring the right forearm on the forearm placement surface.

  Moreover, the aspect of the bone density measuring apparatus according to the present invention may further include a grip detection unit that detects a position where the grip is attached.

  Further, in one aspect of the bone density measuring apparatus according to the present invention, the control unit measures the interval between the ribs of the one forearm and the ulna from the detection result, and the interval is set to a predetermined value. It is good also as a structure which determines a bone density measurement site | part based on the position which becomes.

  Moreover, the aspect of the bone density measuring device according to the present invention may be configured such that the grip includes an inclined surface that forms an obtuse angle with respect to the forearm placement surface.

  Moreover, the aspect of the bone density measuring device according to the present invention may be configured such that the forearm placement surface is provided inclined with respect to the vertical direction.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a bone density measuring device capable of reducing the amount of work for measurement preparation.

FIG. 1 is a top view showing an appearance of the bone density measuring apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a side view showing the appearance of the bone density measuring apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the appearance of the grip of the bone density measuring device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a top view showing an external appearance of the bone density measuring apparatus according to the present embodiment in a state where the measurement subject's left forearm is arranged. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an outline of a functional configuration of the bone density measuring apparatus. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an outline of an X-ray image acquired by the bone density measuring apparatus. FIG. 7 is a top view showing an external appearance of the bone density measuring apparatus of the present embodiment in a state where the right forearm of the measurement subject is arranged.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Each of the embodiments described below shows a preferred specific example of the present invention. The numerical values, shapes, materials, constituent elements, arrangement positions and connecting forms of the constituent elements shown in the following embodiments are merely examples, and are not intended to limit the present invention. In addition, among the constituent elements in the following embodiments, constituent elements that are not described in the independent claims showing the highest concept of the present invention will be described as optional constituent elements that constitute a more preferable embodiment.

  In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same component and description may be abbreviate | omitted.

(Embodiment)
[1. Component]
First, an outline of main components of the bone mineral density device according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a top view showing an appearance of the bone density measuring apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a side view showing the appearance of the bone density measuring apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the appearance of the grip of the bone density measuring device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a top view showing an external appearance of the bone density measuring apparatus according to the present embodiment in a state where the measurement subject's left forearm is arranged.

  As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4, the bone density measuring device 1 includes a main body 2 and a grip 10.

  The main body 2 shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4 includes an X-ray emission surface 3 that emits X-rays, a forearm arrangement surface 4 on which a forearm 30 of a measurement subject is arranged, and two for mounting a grip 10. Two grip mounting grooves 5a and 5b, two recesses 6a and 6b used for detecting the position of the grip 10, and four casters 7 for supporting the main body 2 movably are provided.

  The grip 10 shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 is a gripping member that is gripped by the hand of the forearm 30 in a state where one forearm 30 of the measurement subject is placed on the forearm placement surface 4, and is a position for measuring the left forearm. And attachable to and detachable from the right forearm measurement position. 1, 2, and 4 show the appearance of the bone density measuring apparatus in a state where the grip 10 is mounted at the position for measuring the left forearm of the main body 2. The grip 10 includes two projecting portions 11 a and 11 b used for detecting a position where the grip 10 is mounted, a mounting portion 12 for mounting the grip 10 on the main body 2, and an inclined surface 13.

  The X-ray emission surface 3 of the main body 2 is a surface from which X-rays are emitted from the main body 2. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, an X-ray generation unit 21 is provided inside the X-ray emission surface 3, and X-rays emitted from the X-ray generation unit 21 pass through the X-ray emission surface 3. Then, the light is emitted to the outside of the main body 2.

  The forearm arrangement surface 4 of the main body 2 is a surface on which the measurement subject's forearm 30 is arranged, and is provided at a position facing the X-ray emission surface 3. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, an X-ray detection unit 22 is provided inside the forearm placement surface 4. At the time of measurement, X-rays are emitted from the X-ray emission surface 3 with the forearm 30 arranged on the forearm arrangement surface 4 as shown in FIG. Then, only the X-rays that have reached the X-ray detection unit 22 among the X-rays emitted from the X-ray emission surface 3 are detected. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the forearm arrangement surface 4 is provided so as to be gently inclined with respect to the vertical direction. As a result, the forearm 30 can be placed on the forearm placement surface 4 in such a manner that the arm is naturally bent so that the forearm 30 of the measurement subject comes to the front of the chest of the measurement subject. Therefore, since the measurement subject is not forced to take an unnatural posture during measurement, the burden on the measurement subject is reduced. In order to further reduce the burden on the measurement subject, the inclination angle of the forearm arrangement surface 4 may be within a range of 5 to 30 degrees.

  The grip mounting grooves 5a and 5b of the main body 2 are grooves for mounting the grip 10, and have a shape into which the mounting section 12 of the grip 10 can be inserted. The grip mounting grooves 5a and 5b correspond to the left forearm measurement position and the right forearm measurement position, respectively.

  The recesses 6 a and 6 b of the main body 2 are parts used for detecting the mounting position of the grip 10. When the grip 10 is attached to the main body 2, when the grip 10 is attached to the position for measuring the left forearm, the protrusion 11 a of the grip 10 is inserted into the recess 6 a and when attached to the position for measuring the right forearm, The protrusion 11b of the grip 10 is inserted into the recess 6b.

  The four casters 7 of the main body 2 are members that support the main body 2 so as to be movable in the horizontal direction, and are provided at the bottom of the main body 2. The caster 7 may have a fixing function for fixing the position of the main body 2 in the horizontal direction.

  The protrusions 11a and 11b of the grip 10 are parts that are inserted into the recesses 6a and 6b of the main body 2 and used to detect the mounting position of the grip 10, respectively. In the present embodiment, a configuration example is shown in which iron members are provided inside the protrusions 11a and 11b.

  The attachment part 12 of the grip 10 is a part for attaching the grip 10 to the main body part 2. The mounting portion 12 is mounted in the grip mounting groove 5 a or 5 b of the main body portion 2.

  The inclined surface 13 of the grip 10 is a surface for positioning the forearm 30 by placing the palm of the forearm 30 to be measured, and makes an obtuse angle with respect to the forearm arrangement surface 4. Here, the angle formed by the inclined surface 13 and the forearm arrangement surface 4 is the angle on the side where the forearm 30 is arranged among the angles formed by the forearm arrangement surface 4 and the inclined surface 13. The person to be measured can naturally position the forearm 30 at a position suitable for measurement by placing the palm on the inclined surface 13 and holding the grip 10. In order to allow the measurement subject to more naturally arrange the palm on the inclined surface 13, the angle formed by the forearm arrangement surface 4 and the inclined surface 13 may be within a range of 130 to 160 degrees.

[2. Functional configuration]
Next, the functional configuration of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an outline of a functional configuration in the main body 2 of the bone density measuring apparatus 1.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the main body 2 of the bone density measuring device 1 is functionally mainly composed of an X-ray generation unit 21, an X-ray detection unit 22, a grip detection unit 23, a bracket drive unit 24, and a control. A unit 25 and an external interface 26 are provided. FIG. 5 also shows a bracket 40 that is a member to which the X-ray generation unit 21 and the X-ray detection unit 22 are attached.

  The X-ray generator 21 shown in FIG. 5 is an X-ray source that emits X-rays toward the forearm arrangement surface 4. Although the configuration of the X-ray generation unit 21 is not particularly limited, in the present embodiment, an example in which an X-ray tube that emits fan-beam X-rays along the vertical direction is used as the X-ray generation unit 21. Show.

  The X-ray detector 22 shown in FIG. 5 is a detector that is provided at a position facing the X-ray generator 21 and detects an X-ray dose. Although the configuration of the X-ray detection unit 22 is not particularly limited, in the present embodiment, an example in which a photodiode array is used as the X-ray detection unit 22 is shown. The photodiode array is arranged in a state where a plurality of photodiodes are arranged in a direction along a line where the fan beam-shaped X-ray emitted from the X-ray generation unit 21 and the forearm arrangement surface 4 intersect.

  The grip detection unit 23 shown in FIG. 5 is a detection unit that detects the mounting position of the grip 10. The grip detection unit 23 detects the mounting position of the grip 10 by detecting the protrusion 11 a or 11 b of the grip 10 inserted into the recess 6 a or 6 b of the main body 2. The grip detection unit 23 includes one proximity sensor that detects that a metal has approached, in the vicinity of each of the recesses 6a and 6b. Further, as described above, iron members are provided inside the protrusions 11a and 11b of the grip 10. Since the grip detection unit 23 and the grip 10 are configured as described above, the grip detection unit 23 approaches the proximity sensor in the vicinity of the recess 6a or 6b to the proximity of the iron member provided inside the protrusion 11a or 11b. By detecting this, the mounting position of the grip 10 can be detected.

  The bracket drive unit 24 shown in FIG. 5 moves the bracket 40 to which the X-ray generation unit 21 and the X-ray detection unit 22 are attached in the horizontal direction along the forearm arrangement surface 4 inside the main body unit 2. It is a drive part. A two-dimensional X-ray image is obtained by moving the bracket 40 while causing the X-ray generation unit 21 to emit fan beam-shaped X-rays and detecting the X-rays with the photodiode array provided in the X-ray detection unit 22. can get.

  The control unit 25 shown in FIG. 5 controls the X-ray generation unit 21, the X-ray detection unit 22, and the bracket drive unit 24, and outputs the detection result output from the X-ray detection unit 22 and the grip detection unit 23. It is a processing unit that measures bone density using the mounting position information of the grip 10.

  An external interface (external I / F) 26 shown in FIG. 5 is an interface used for connecting the bone density measuring apparatus 1 and an external device. For example, a PC (Personal Computer) or the like is connected to the external interface 26 via a cable or the like. The bone density measuring apparatus 1 can transmit / receive signals such as X-ray detection information and control signals to / from a PC or the like via the external interface 26. For example, a signal connected to the control unit 25 can be transmitted from a PC connected to the bone density measuring device 1 to control the operation of the bone density measuring device 1 from the PC.

[3. Measuring method and measuring procedure]
Next, a method and a procedure for measuring bone density in the bone density measuring apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment having the configuration described above will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an outline of an X-ray image acquired by the bone density measuring apparatus 1. FIG. 7 is a top view showing an external appearance of the bone density measuring apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment in a state where the measurement subject's right forearm is arranged.

  First, as shown in FIG. 4, the forearm 30 is positioned on the forearm placement surface 4 of the main body 2, and the forearm 30 is positioned in a state where the grip 10 is gripped by the hand of the forearm 30.

  Next, in order to obtain an X-ray image of the forearm 30, the control unit 25 shown in FIG. 5 moves the bracket 40 while causing the X-ray generation unit 21 to emit X-rays in the form of a fan beam. X-rays are detected by a photodiode array provided in the detector 22. Here, based on the X-ray detection data detected by the photodiode array of the X-ray detection unit 22, the control unit 25 obtains X-ray image data as shown in FIG. From the X-ray image data, part of the contours of the radius 31, ulna 32 and carpal bone 33 of the forearm 30 and the X-ray transmittance at each part are obtained.

  When the X-ray image as shown in FIG. 6 is obtained, the control unit 25 obtains a position near the carpal bone where the distance between the radius 31 and the ulna 32 is, for example, 8 mm. Here, the space | interval of the radius 31 and the ulna 32 is a space | interval of the radius 31 and the ulna 32 in the cross section substantially perpendicular | vertical to the longitudinal direction of the radius 31 (refer FIG. 6). Then, the bone density is measured from the X-ray transmittance of the radius 31 within a range from the position to the elbow side, for example, a position 24 mm away. Here, by using the mounting position information of the grip 10 output from the grip detection unit 23, the control unit 25 can detect which X-ray image is obtained by measuring the left or right forearm 30. Therefore, the control unit 25 can detect which of the both ends of the radius 31 is the carpal bone side in the X-ray image based on the mounting position information of the grip 10, so that the bone density measurement site can be identified quickly and reliably. Can be done.

  As described above, in the bone density measuring apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, the distance between the radius 31 and the ulna 32 is measured, and the bone density measurement site is based on the position where the distance is a predetermined value. Therefore, it is not necessary to measure the forearm length. That is, it is not necessary to provide an elbow rest for measuring the forearm length. Therefore, in the preparation work for measurement in the bone density measuring apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the mounting portion 12 of the grip 10 is mounted in the grip mounting groove 5a or 5b of the main body 2 in accordance with the non-dominant arm of the measurement subject. Thus, the forearm 30 of the non-dominant arm of the measurement subject is only arranged on the forearm arrangement surface 4.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 7, when measuring the right forearm of the measurement subject, the protrusion 11a of the grip 10 is on the upper surface side of the main body 2 (that is, the protrusion 11b is the recess 6b. The grip 10 is attached to the main body 2. In this case, the grip detection unit 23 detects that the grip 10 is mounted at the position for measuring the right forearm by the proximity sensor near the recess 6b. Other measurement methods and measurement procedures for measuring the right forearm are the same as those for measuring the left forearm.

[4. Effect]
As described above, the bone density measuring apparatus 1 of the present embodiment is provided with the X-ray generation unit 21, the X-ray detection unit 22 that is provided at a position facing the X-ray generation unit 21, and detects the X-ray dose. The control unit 25 that controls the X-ray generation unit 21 and the X-ray detection unit 22 and measures the bone density from the detection result output from the X-ray detection unit 22, and the X-ray generation unit 21 and the X-ray detection unit 22 A forearm arrangement surface 4 provided therebetween, and a grip 10 held by the hand of the forearm 30 with the forearm 30 arranged on the forearm arrangement surface 4. It can be attached to and detached from the position for forearm measurement and the position for right forearm measurement. According to this, the preparatory work for measurement in the bone density measuring device 1 is only to mount the grip 10 on the non-dominant arm of the measurement subject and place the forearm 30. That is, according to the bone density measuring apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the work of arranging / adjusting other parts such as an elbow rest becomes unnecessary, so that the amount of work for measurement preparation is reduced.

  Moreover, the bone density measuring apparatus 1 of this Embodiment is further provided with the grip detection part 23 which detects the position where the grip 10 is mounted | worn. Accordingly, the control unit 25 can detect whether the X-ray image obtained from the detection result of the X-ray detection unit 22 is an X-ray image obtained by measuring the left or right forearm.

  In the bone density measuring apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, the control unit 25 measures the interval between the radius 31 and the ulna 32 of the forearm 30 from the detection result output from the X-ray detection unit 22, and the interval is determined in advance. A bone density measurement site is determined based on a position having a predetermined value. According to this, the bone density measurement site can be determined without measuring the forearm length. Therefore, in the bone density measuring apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, work such as adjustment of the position of the elbow rest for measuring the forearm length becomes unnecessary.

  In the bone density measuring apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, the grip 10 includes an inclined surface 13 that forms an obtuse angle with respect to the forearm arrangement surface 4. Accordingly, the measurement subject can naturally position the forearm 30 at a position suitable for measurement by placing the palm on the inclined surface 13 and holding the grip 10.

  Moreover, in the bone density measuring apparatus 1 of this Embodiment, the forearm arrangement | positioning surface 4 is inclined and provided with respect to the perpendicular direction. As a result, the forearm 30 can be placed on the forearm placement surface 4 in such a manner that the arm is naturally bent so that the forearm 30 of the measurement subject comes to the front of the chest of the measurement subject. Therefore, since the measurement subject is not forced to take an unnatural posture during measurement, the burden on the measurement subject is reduced.

(Other embodiments)
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications in which the above-described embodiments are modified within the scope conceived by those skilled in the art are also included in the present invention without departing from the gist of the invention.

  For example, in the above embodiment, the grip 10 includes the iron member inside the protrusions 11a and 11b, but may include a metal member other than the iron member.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the proximity sensor was used in order to detect the mounting position of the grip 10, you may use another sensor. For example, an optical sensor or the like can be used.

  In the above embodiment, an X-ray image is acquired by moving the X-ray generation unit 21 that generates fan-beam-like X-rays and the X-ray detection unit 22 that includes a photodiode array. The configuration for acquiring an image is not limited to this. For example, the X-ray generation unit 21 and the X-ray are generated by using an X-ray source that generates cone-beam X-rays as the X-ray generation unit 21 and a photodiode array arranged two-dimensionally as the X-ray detection unit 22. A configuration in which measurement is performed without moving the detection unit 22 may be employed. Alternatively, only one of the X-ray generation unit 21 and the X-ray detection unit 22 may be moved.

  In the above embodiment, the bone density measurement is performed by the control unit 25. However, the bone density measurement may be performed by a PC or the like connected to the external interface 26.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the shape of the inclined surface 13 of the grip 10 is not specified, the shape of the inclined surface 13 may be planar shape or curved surface shape. As the shape of the curved inclined surface 13, a convex shape that fits the shape of the palm can be used.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the grip 10 is attached to the main body 2 and the bone density measurement is performed. However, the bone density may be measured with the grip 10 removed from the main body 2. . According to this, even a measurement subject who is difficult to bend the wrist along the grip 10 can measure the bone density. In this case, a configuration may be adopted in which which forearm is used for measurement can be input from the outside to the bone density measuring apparatus 1.

  The present invention can be used in a bone density measuring device that measures the bone density of the forearm.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Bone density measuring apparatus 2 Main-body part 3 X-ray emission surface 4 Forearm arrangement | positioning surface 5a, 5b Grip mounting groove 6a, 6b Recess 7 Caster 10 Grip 11a, 11b Protrusion part 12 Mounting part 13 Inclined surface 21 X-ray generation part 22 X-ray Detection unit 23 Grip detection unit 24 Bracket drive unit 25 Control unit 26 External interface 30 Forearm 31 Radius 32 Ulna 33 Carpal bone 40 Bracket

Claims (5)

A bone density measuring device for measuring the bone density of one forearm of a measurement subject,
An X-ray generator;
An X-ray detection unit that is provided at a position facing the X-ray generation unit and detects an X-ray dose;
A control unit that controls the X-ray generation unit and the X-ray detection unit and measures bone density from the detection result output from the X-ray detection unit;
A forearm arrangement surface provided between the X-ray generation unit and the X-ray detection unit;
A grip gripped by a hand of the one forearm in a state where the one forearm is disposed on the forearm placement surface,
The grip is
A bone density measuring device detachably attachable to a position for measuring the left forearm and a position for measuring the right forearm on the forearm placement surface. The bone density measuring apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a grip detection unit that detects a position where the grip is mounted. The control unit measures an interval between the ribs of the one forearm and the ulna from the detection result, and determines a bone density measurement site based on a position where the interval is a predetermined value. Or the bone density measuring apparatus of 2 or 2. The bone density measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the grip includes an inclined surface that forms an obtuse angle with respect to the forearm arrangement surface. The bone density measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the forearm placement surface is provided to be inclined with respect to a vertical direction.

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