Tennessee Patent of the Month – January 2023
Joint pain is a growing concern for millions of people worldwide. In the United States alone, approximately 46 million people suffer from joint pain and this number is increasing due to the aging population and the increasing prevalence of obesity. In order to manage joint pain, a range of systemic and targeted interventions are used, including over-the-counter medications, physical therapy, prescription pain relievers, and anti-inflammatory medications.
However, despite these interventions, many patients are still struggling with joint pain. MOst often, patients are limited to office x-rays which only show a 2D image of the joint space, making it difficult to effectively diagnose and form a treatment plan. JointVue LLC has patented their real-time 3D ultrasound system which is capable of reconstructing a knee, contributing to treatment plans including implant and joint injections.
Based in Knoxville, Tennessee, JointVue is a medical imaging developer, founded based on research conducted at the University of Tennessee.
Delivered as a platform, the company’s solution is the first and only ultrasound platform for 3D bone modeling. The system uses radio frequency (RF) signals from an ultrasound transducer to generate a 3-D image of the joint space. This new method is a significant improvement over current joint injection guidance systems, as it provides real-time tracking of the needle on its approach to the joint space and does not require x-ray radiation exposure.
The data acquired from this 3D model can then inform treatment options, including selecting the correct implant size to suit the patient’s anatomy. Scans take minutes and are done right in the surgeon’s office allowing the surgeon to offer pre-operative planning with patients.
The new technology is also much more affordable than traditional imaging modalities like MRI and fluoroscopy, making it accessible to a wider range of patients and providers. This is an important step forward in the management of joint pain and will help to contain healthcare costs as the number of patients requiring joint injections continues to rise.
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