Patent ID: 6230036
Filing Date: 2001-05-08
Classification: A61B,G01T

Abstract:
An apparatus for measuring bone density in the spinal column of a subject comprising:a support upon which the subject can be positioned with the spinal column extending along an axis of the support such that the subject remains in one position at a first angle scan and at a second angle scan;a radiation source and a detector positioned to receive radiation emitted from the source to measure intensity of radiation transmitted through the subject at two energies, the position of the radiation source and detector at one of the first or second angles providing one of an anterior or posterior view of the spinal column such that the radiation source directs radiation through the support to the detector and the other angle scan providing a lateral view of the spinal column, the source and detector being positioned above a plane in which the support is positioned to obtain the lateral view;a member attached to the source and detector to provide rigid alignment of the source and the detector;a first driving mechanism causing relative displacement between said support and said aligned source and detector in a direction along the support axis to detect radiation at the two energies with the detector and measure bone density of the spinal column of the subject;a second driving mechanism causing relative displacement between said support and said source and detector in a direction perpendicular to the support surface axis; anda structure on which the member, source and detector are moveably mounted to provide rotation of the source and detector from the first angle to the second angle of the member relative to the support which is different from the first angle.