Electronic Tuning Fork (ETF)

Patented (((Multi-Frequency))) Vibrations






Diabetes & Large Fiber Neuropathy

The Electronic Tuning Fork™ (ETF) is an FDA Registered Wireless Tool with U.S. Patents on the 64Hz, 128Hz, and 256Hz Frequencies that Objectively Identify Large Nerve Fibers in Peripheral Extremities, Quickly (<10-seconds) and Painlessly. 

Diabetic Large Nerve Fiber Dysfunction (Painless) as Measured by Vibration Predicts Foot Ulceration, Amputation and Mortality.

https://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/32/10/1896

The ETF is the only patented 64Hz, 128Hz, and 256Hz vibrations that OBJECTIVELY identify and measure large fiber neuropathy using Constant, Ascending, or Descending.

Early-Stage DPN Diagnosis

Physicians have long known that the 128 Hz tuning fork is the most sensitive of the commonly used neurological screening tests available in clinical practice. The ETF¹²⁸(Electronic Tuning Fork/128 Hz) builds on this foundation and takes it to the next level. The ETF does this by electronically reproducing the most valuable features of the traditional tuning fork. Clinicians can now test a patient’s sensation with the three most used frequencies in medicine, 64, 128, and 256-Hz. This multi-frequency instrument saves time and money by essentially integrating three tuning forks into one. The Electronic Tuning Fork™ (ETF-Mx) is a patented and FDA Registered medical device that was invented by a practicing American Foot and Ankle Surgeon, who developed the technology with ADA, CDC, and CMS guidelines in mind. The original ETF-128 (now DME for patients), has elevated the ETF-Mx (exclusively for clinicians), takes vibration testing to the next level, and allows clinicians to measure the level of neuropathy by grading a patient’s level of sensation using the three (3) most used frequencies in medicine, 64, 128, and 256-Hz. This multi-frequency instrument saves time and money by essentially integrating three (3) tuning forks into one device. 

Objectively Technology

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a mortality risk and is an essential precursor to diabetic limb loss. Undiagnosed and untreated foot problems in people with diabetes can quickly progress with complications to foot ulcers and recurring foot ulcers and eventually to diabetes-related lower-extremity amputations (DRLEAs). It is these amputations that bring a high level of patient mortality. Neurological screening tests, including the 128-Hz traditional tuning fork (TTF), have long been used to identify and track DPN progression, thereby guiding the implementation of preventive strategies. Although a traditional tuning fork is a sensitive indicator of neuropathy, its shortcomings include the lack of objectivity, standardization, and quantification. The Electronic Tuning Fork™ (ETF-Mx) overcomes the limitations of a traditional tuning fork (TTF) by providing objectivity, uniformity, and quantification of clinical findings. 

The improved accuracy and reproducibility afforded by this approach have been combined with an integrated timing function. The result is a modern medical instrument allowing physicians to diagnose diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) at earlier stages. Prompt diagnosis of this condition is critical as neuropathy is known to be the key precursor leading to foot ulcers, infections, and amputations. Armed with the ETF, physicians will be able to rapidly implement preventative strategies aimed at reducing limb loss.

*Average of ascending and descending vibration amplitudes

Addressing the Critical Impact of Foot Complications in Diabetes

According to the CDC, foot problems, including ulceration and amputation, account for more hospital admissions for patients with diabetes than any other long-term complication. Ulceration is usually precipitated by trauma in the presence of neuropathy and/or ischemia. Foot ulceration and amputation can be prevented by up to 85% with early identification and effective management. Despite calls by the World Health Organization and the U.S. government to reduce lower-limb amputation, it remains a major burden on health care resources with high postoperative mortality, a high rate of secondary amputation, and prolonged inpatient stay. 

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