Opportunities
Hip Range Movement Measuring Device
The Technology
Hip problems, such as subluxation and dislocation, are common in children with cerebral palsy and cause significant suffering. Once hip dislocation has occurred it is hard to treat. It is therefore important to monitor hips movement, so that early preventative action can be taken. The gold standard method for monitoring hip movement involves taking x-rays. However, there is a need to monitor hip movement between x-ray assessment. This is normally carried out using a device known as a goniometer. The device is usually hand held and can lead to inaccuracies, particularly with young children who may not remain still during the measuring procedure. A physiotherapist has developed a device which can be used to measure hip-range movement in children without the use of a hand held instrument. The device has been formally assessed with 26 children with cerebral palsy and a paper on the findings has been submitted for publication.
The Advantages
- The device is quick and easy to use.
- It offers greater reliability than current goniometry methods.
- Intra-user and inter-user reproducibility of measurements gained using the device is high.
- Paediatric patients are more likely to comply with the measuring techniques.
- Anticipated low cost production.
The Potential Market
The device offers improvements over and above methods available in the existing market. The device could be used to measure a range of movements in paediatric patients with neurological disorders (e.g. cerebral palsy), and those recovering from fractures or burns.
The Opportunities
We are looking for a commercial partner to manufacture and market the device.
The Contact
For more information about this or other technologies available for commercialisation through TrusTECH, contact:
Dr Joanne Thomas
Senior Technology Manager
TrusTECH, Innovation Unit
1st Floor, Postgraduate Centre
Manchester Royal Infirmary
Manchester
M13 9WL
T: 0161 276 6965