| abstract |
A surface probe is disclosed for use in detecting the degree of degeneration in mammalian tissue. The surface probe comprises in combination with each other surface probe means for applying to a surface of the mammalian tissue a force which affects an electrokinetic parameter indicative of the amount of charged specie involved in tissue degeneration and surface detection means for detecting the electrokinetic parameter at the same surface of the mammalian tissue. A method is disclosed for detecting the degree of degeneration in mammalian tissues. Further, a system for diagnosing degenerative changes in cartilage tissue is disclosed. The system discloses a waveform generator as a source of current connected with connectors for transmitting electrical current between the generator and the surface electrodes of the surface probe and a computer connected by connectors to surface electrodes and transmitting electrodes in the surface probe for controlling electromechanical input to the surface electrodes and processing electromechanical output from the transmitting electrodes. |