2. Description of the Related Art The therapeutic value of ultrasonic waves is known. Various techniques and devices are used to apply ultrasound waves to various areas of the body. In one known technique a pulsed radio-frequency ultrasonic signal applied via a transducer to the skin of a patient is directed to the site of the wound. The radio-frequency signal is in the range of 1.3 to 2 MHz, and it consists of pulses at a repetition rate of 100 to 1000 Hz, with each pulse having a duration in the range of 10 to 20,000 microseconds. See, e. g. U. S. Patent No. 4,530,360 to Duarte.

U. S. Patent Nos. 5,003,965 and 5,186,162 both to Talish and Lifshey ("Talish'965"and"Talish'162", respectively) describe an ultrasonic delivery system where the R-F generator and transducer are both part of a modular applicator unit that is placed at the skin location. The signals controlling the duration of ultrasonic pulses and the pulse repetition frequency are generated apart from the applicator unit. Talish'965 and Talish'162 also describe fixture apparatus for attaching the applicator unit so that the operative surface is adjacent the skin location. In Talish'965 and Talish'162, the skin is surrounded by a cast, while in U. S. Patent No. 5,211,160 to Talish and Lifshey ("Talish'160") fixture apparatus is described for mounting on uncovered body parts (i. e., without a cast or other

medical wrapping). Talish'160 also describes various improvements to the applicator unit. Duarte, Talish'965, Talish'162 and Talish'160, are all incorporated herein by reference.

As ultrasonic self-treatment becomes more popular, a need arises to make ultrasonic delivery systems easier and more convenient to use. Patients who suffer from back injuries are inconvenienced by body casts or braces that limit motion of the spinal column for extended periods of time, often months. Where, for example, the patient has to undergo surgery to fuse several vertebrae, a back brace is required to limit the movement of the patient's torso until the bones can grow together. Ultrasonic treatment can be used to accelerate the healing process and reduce the amount of time the patient is required to wear a cast or brace.

If ultrasonic treatment is employed, the back support brace must be removed in order to administer treatment. It is not preferred to remove the back support which is employed to maintain the patient's spine in a fixed position. A need exists to be able to administer ultrasonic treatment without moving the spinal support. It is also desirable to be able to provide ultrasonic treatment to multiple regions of the patient's body simultaneously, where multiple injuries have been sustained by the patient.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An ultrasonic delivery system includes a brace member adjustably configurable to provide support to a human spinal column. The brace defines a cavity adjacent to a predetermined location overlying the human spinal column. An ultrasound generating assembly includes at least one treatment head module dimensioned to be positioned in the cavity of the brace member, and a main operating unit provides excitation signals to the at least one treatment head module.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS The invention will be described in detail in the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to the following figures wherein: FIG. 1 is an exploded isometric view of an ultrasonic delivery system; FIG. 2 is an exploded isometric view showing more detail for a back member; FIG. 3 is an exploded isometric view showing more detail for a front member; FIG. 4 is a front view of a patient using an embodiment of an ultrasonic delivery system; FIG. 5 is a side view of a patient using an embodiment of an ultrasonic delivery system; FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view as indicated in FIG. 5; FIG. 7 shows an alternate embodiment of an ultrasonic delivery system being used by a patient; FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view as indicated in FIG. 7; and FIG. 9 is an exploded isometric view of a back member of alternate preferred embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present disclosure describes the use of an ultrasonic treatment apparatus for treating spinal injuries. At least one ultrasonic treatment head module is received within a brace member which provides support to the patients spinal column. The brace member does not have to be removed in order to administer ultrasonic treatment. Further, the brace member provides locations for maintaining multiple transducer head modules in a predetermined location whereby ultrasonic radiation is propagated into the injured areas of the patient.

Referring now in specific detail to the drawings in which like reference numerals identify similar or identical elements throughout the several views, and initially to FIG. 1, one embodiment of an ultrasonic delivery system constructed in accordance with the present disclosure is shown generally as assembly 10. Assembly 10 includes a brace member 9 including a back member 12 and a front member 14 which are positioned about a patient and adjustably configured to create an appropriate fit. Brace member 9 may be used for supporting the spinal column of a patient which may be rigid. Back member 12 has a recessed portion 21 which defines a cavity for receiving a support pad 43 which mounts treatment head module 20 (see FIG. 2). Transducer head module is connected to an interface cable 18 which is connected to a main operating unit 16. Main operating unit 16 supplies the control signals and power to operate treatment head module 20.

Treatment head module 20 may have a pad 30 mounted on it or have a pad 30 independent of treatment head module. Pad 30 contains ultrasonic conductive material, preferably conductive gel for propagating ultrasound waves into the patient.

Back member 12 is adjustably configured with respect to front member 14 by a securing means 22. Securing means 22 may include a plurality of belts 24 mounted on back member 12. Each belt 24 has a snap 26 which is received in a corresponding receptacle 28 located on rigid front member 14. Belt 24 is adjusted by a buckle 25.

Back member 12 and front member 14 are lined by a padded back insert 32 and a padded front insert 34, respectively. Padded back insert 32 and padded front insert 34 add to the comfort of the patient when ultrasonic delivery system 10 is in use. Padded back insert 32 has an opening formed therethrough to allow pad 30 to contact the patients skin directly in the area of treatment. Padded back insert 32 and padded front insert 34 may be attached to the inside of back

member 12 and front member 14, respectively using hook and loop pads 44 or other means known in the art.

Referring to FIG. 2, back support 12 is shown in greater detail. Back support 14 is contoured to the patient's body. Further, detachable side members 42 are installed to back member 12 to allow a better and more secure fit for the patient.

Side members 42 are adjustable to allow ultrasonic deliver system 10 to be used by different sized patients. In one embodiment, side members 42 can be attached and adjusted using hook and loop pads 44. Recessed portion 21 may be configured with a support pad 43. Support pad 43 defines an opening for receiving treatment head module 20. The opening in support pad 43 is configured to allow adjustment of the location of treatment head module 20 over an injured area. The opening in padded back insert 32, the cavity defined in recessed portion 21 and pad 30 may all be dimensioned to allow for treatment head module 20 placement to be adjustable over a large area of the patient's body.

Referring now to FIG. 3, front member 14 has an adjustment means 36 to configure the brace member 9 to a patient. Adjustment means 36 includes extended portions 40 located laterally on opposite sides of front member 14.

Extended portions 40 have a hole therethrough for receiving an adjustable strap 38 for tightening and drawing the extended portions 40 inward toward the patient. To provide further comfort for patients, reliefs 46 are supplied. Reliefs 46 prevent front member 14 from causing irritation of the patients abdomen due to an upper edge 39 of front member 14. Reliefs 46 are placed between front member 14 and padded front insert 34 at upper edge 39. If the patient leans forward while brace member 9 is in use, reliefs 46 engage the patient's abdomen first and act as a lever moving upper edge 39 away from the patient and hence protecting the patient from discomfort.

Referring to FIGS. 4,5 and 6, a patient is shown wearing brace member 9. FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate the fit of brace member 9 on a patient. FIG. 6 shows a cross section of ultrasonic delivery system 10 in use. Recessed portion 21 of back member 12 receives support pad 43 which supports treatment head module 20. Treatment head module 20 propagates ultrasound waves into pad 30 which pass through skin 62 into spinal column 58 for healing vertebral body 60. Padded back insert 32 is shown defining an opening for pad 30.

Referring now to FIGS. 7,8 and 9 an alternate embodiment of ultrasonic delivery system 10 includes a configuration for treatment of the entire spinal column or a part thereof. FIG. 8 illustrates rigid back member 12 with recessed portion 21 extending the length of the patient's spinal column and forming a cavity. Further details are presented in FIG. 9. Recessed portion 21 adjacent to the patient's neck has a neck brace support 52 to secure neck brace 50 which can be attached with screws 48. Neck brace 50 and neck brace support 52 work in conjunction with securing means 22 to secure the patient's spinal column to prevent motion thereof. Backing pad 53 occupies vacant space within recessed area 21.

Backing pad 43 defines an opening for the passage of cables 56, and further provides support for treatment head modules 20 to prevent them from backing away from the patients skin. A treatment head receptacle 54 holds a plurality of treatment head modules 20 adjacent to the patients spinal column. Treatment head receptacle 54 allows a doctor or technician to vertically or horizontally adjust treatment head modules 20 to locate them in appropriate positions to provide maximum effectiveness in accelerating the healing process.

In a preferred embodiment, treatment head receptacle 54 is formed from a compressible material, for example, styrene foam. Treatment head receptacle 54 is compressed against backing pad 53 and treatment head modules 20 are pressed against the patient's skin. It is also contemplated that treatment head modules 20 have pads 30 installed thereon to propagate ultrasound waves into the

patient. Pads 30 contain an ultrasound conducting material preferably conductive gel. Each treatment head 20 is place over a different portion of the spinal column.

Each treatment module can be activated with varying control signals. Parameters that can be controlled include durations of operation, frequencies of operation and/or power levels as required for individual patient treatment.

Referring to FIG. 8, a cross-section at the patients neck shows ultrasonic delivery system 10 during operation. Neck brace support 52 is shown mounted to recessed portion 21 of back member 12. Neck brace support may be attached to neck brace 52 by hook and loop or other attachment means known in the art. Backing pad 53 is secured within recessed portion 21 and supports treatment head module 20. Treatment head module 20 is also secured by treatment head receptacle 54. Treatment head module 20 is connected to pad 30 which is in contact with skin 62. Ultrasonic waves propagate from treatment head module 20 through pad 30 and skin 62 reaching spinal column 58 and accelerating healing in vertebral body 60.

Having described preferred embodiments of a novel ultrasonic delivery system (which are intended to be illustrative and not limiting), it is noted that modifications and variations can be made by persons skilled in the art in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that changes may be made in the particular embodiments of the invention disclosed which are within the scope and spirit of the invention.