Project description
Innovative device for automated dynamic laximetry measurement
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a core component of the knee. The current gold standard to diagnose ACL injuries is the Lachman’s test, which measures the ‘laxity’ (looseness) of the ligaments in the knee. This process is reliable when conducted by a specialist. However, general practitioners and non specialists require an Χ-ray or MRI exam to confirm diagnosis. The EU-funded Dyneelax project proposes the first medical device for automated dynamic laximetry measurement independently of examinations such as X-ray and MRI scans. The device performs objective and reproducible Lachman’s tests and rotational exams to assess the laximetry of the ACL and the diagnosis and prognosis of the recovery status.
Objective
The knee is the largest, and one of the most complex and fragile joints in the human body, and the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of its core components. The ACL is vital to healthy knee function, stabilising the joint throughout its range of motion.
In order to diagnose ACL injuries, the current gold standard is the Lachman’s test, which measures the ‘laxity’ (looseness) of the ligaments in the knee. Often done by hand, this is a reliable process when carried out by a specialist such as an orthopaedist. In contrast, general practitioners (GPs) and other non-specialists require x-ray or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exams to confirm their diagnosis. However, waiting periods for mechanised tests in the EU are long, sometimes entirely unpredictable, due to limited equipment availability and the need to prioritise emergency cases.
To overcome this, Genourob has developed Dyneelax, which is the first medical device for automated dynamic laximetry measurement. Dyneelax carries out objective and reproducible Lachman’s tests and rotational exams to assess the laximetry of the ACL. Automation and standardisation of this non-invasive, quantitative testing allows the diagnosis and prognosis of ACL injury and recovery status. It is independent of examinations such as x-ray and MRI scans and it can be used also by non-specialists such as GPs. This means quicker, more effective treatment for better recovery of patients.
At Genourob our mission is to transform the clinical protocol for diagnosing and prognosis of ACL injuries. In this way, GPs would be patients’ main point of contact with the healthcare system, replacing the need to wait for an MRI scan or x-ray for ACL injuries’ treatment. The SME Instrument grant is ideal for completing our product roadmap as it will enable our post-market surveillance to be carried out, to allow us to make the clinical claim that Dyneelax is an effective substitute for MRI scans in diagnosing and evaluating injuries to the ACL
Fields of science
- medical and health sciencesclinical medicinerheumatology
- medical and health sciencesclinical medicinesurgery
- natural sciencescomputer and information sciencessoftwaresoftware development
- social sciencessociologygovernancecrisis management
- engineering and technologymedical engineeringdiagnostic imagingmagnetic resonance imaging
Programme(s)
Funding Scheme
SME-1 - SME instrument phase 1Coordinator
53000 LAVAL
France
The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.