Patent ID: 6539328
Filing Date: 2003-03-25
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
A device for the measurement of spinal mobility comprising:(a) a probe configured to contact a spinal segment at an angle of incidence; (b) a piezoelectric sensor firmly attached to the probe; (c) an anvil firmly attached to the sensor; (d) an electromagnetic coil; (e) an armature which is inserted without attachment in the electromagnetic coil and configured so that when the coil is energized, the armature is accelerated to impact the anvil and thereby produce a force impulse which travels through the piezoelectric sensor and the probe to the spinal segment and causes the piezoelectric sensor to generate a wave form characteristic of spinal mobility; and (f) an inclinometer configured so that the inclinometer can determine the angle of incidence of the probe in contact with the spinal segment.