Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method for aligning both the cervical spine and the airway of a child by elevating the spine of the child to allow some clearance for the head of the child to rest on a lower plane. In a preferred embodiment, the extent of maturity of the child is first estimated by measuring the length of the child or some portion of the child. Finally, a pad is provided which is height adjustable which can be used in the method of the present invention to elevate the spine of the child.

Abstract: A cervical brace having a cervical collar. The collar has a front collar portion and a rear collar potion wherein the rear collar portion comprises an occipital support. A vest comprising a front vest portion and a back vest portion is attached to the front collar portion to limit movement of the front vest portion with respect to the cervical collar while the back vest portion is free to move with respect to the cervical collar rear portion.

Abstract: A traction device having an adjustable tensioning mechanism, the traction device attachable to a head support and a cervical collar. The tensioning mechanism includes a traction base, a slider slidably connected to the traction base and an adjustment mechanism to force the traction base and slider in opposite directions. One of the traction base or slider is at a fixed longitudinal position with respect to the head support and the other of the traction base or slider is at a fixed longitudinal position with respect to the cervical collar.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cervical brace that has a chest plate secured to the thorax of a wearer and a chin strut attached to the chest plate. In a preferred embodiment, the chin strut extends to a point on a chin support of a cervical collar disposed adjacent a wearer's chin so as to provide better support. The chest plate is in the form of a vest or can be comprised of a chest plate and a back plate. In preferred embodiments the chin strut extends in a straight line from the chest plate to the chin support and is adjustable and maybe positioned securely, relative to the chest plate, the cervical brace also has a back plate and an occipital support. In certain embodiments it has a rear strut extending between the occipital support and the back plate. In such embodiments, the back plate and the chest plate are preferably attached to each other around the body.

Abstract: A skull pin including a removable tip is disclosed where the tip of the pin is manufactured from a ceramic material. Alternatively, the tip can be manufactured from other insulating, non-conducting materials. The tip may either be inserted into a bore in the center of the pin, or may be a cap placed over the pin.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cervical brace that has a chest plate secured to the thorax of a wearer and a chin strut attached to the chest plate. In a preferred embodiment, the chin strut extends to a point on a chin support of a cervical collar disposed adjacent a wearer's chin so as to provide better support. The chest plate is in the form of a vest or can be comprised of a chest plate and a back plate. In preferred embodiments the chin strut extends in a straight line from the chest plate to the chin support and is adjustable and maybe positioned securely, relative to the chest plate, the cervical brace also has a back plate and an occipital support. In certain embodiments it has a rear strut extending between the occipital support and the back plate. In such embodiments, the back plate and the chest plate are preferably attached to each other around the body.

Abstract: A skull pin including a removable tip is disclosed where the tip of the pin is manufactured from a ceramic material. Alternatively, the tip can be manufactured from other insulating, non-conducting materials. The tip may either be inserted into a bore in the center of the pin, or may be a cap placed over the pin.

Abstract: A cervical collar in which a sternum brace has an extension extending below the clavicle of the patient and to which a footplate is attached so that the footplate rests on the sternum of the patient. Also, certain components of the cervical collar, for example a jaw support and the sternum brace, are secured together to permit relative sliding movement between these components. Further, to accommodate the differences in the anatomy of a child from the anatomy of adult, the jaw support is mounted to the sternum brace so that the jaw support is disposed below the shoulder of a patient and an occipital support is mounted to a back support at an angle greater than forty-five degrees.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cervical collar preferably formed from a thermoplastic material, which includes flexibility enhancing openings which allow the collar to conform properly to the shape of a patient's neck. Most preferably, the collar is formed from linear low density polypropylene, which is an injection moldable material. The collar may be injection molded and include rivets injection molded directly as part of the collar.

Abstract: A cervical collar is provided which has front and rear semi-rigid portions, attached by hook and loop fasteners. The front portion-comprises a semi-rigid preformed jaw support contoured to follow the jaw line of a patient, and a preformed sternum brace contoured to contact the sternum and upper trapezius of the patient and to support said jaw support. The rear portion of the cervical collar is contoured to follow the curve of the back of the head or occiput and to support the head and neck. The sternum brace has right, left, and central sections, wherein the height of the central section is adapted to correspond to the distance between a patient's sternum and jaw at the chin and the height of the right and left sections is adapted to correspond to the distance between a patient's upper trapezius muscle and jaw. The height of the right and left sections is independent of the height of the central section. Further, the jaw support may include a cushioning pad and a covering of anti-decubitus material.

Abstract: A device is provided for maintaining the head of a patient in predetermined spatial relationship to the body of the patient. The device comprises an truncated elliptical member (halo) adapted to fit around the patient's head from front to back. The device also includes a superstructure for attaching the open-backed halo to a vest worn by the patient. The superstructure includes both horizontal and vertical rack and pinion adjustments for adjusting the height and angulation of the halo.

Abstract: A cervical collar is provided which has front and rear semi-rigid portions, attached by hook and loop fasteners. The front portion comprises a semi-rigid preformed jaw support contoured to follow the jaw line of a patient, and a preformed sternum brace contoured to contact the sternum and upper trapezius of the patient and to support said jaw support. The rear portion of the cervical collar is contoured to follow the curve of the back of the head or occiput and to support the head and neck. The sternum brace has right, left, and central sections, wherein the height of the central section is adapted to correspond to the distance between a patient's sternum and jaw at the chin and the height of the right and left sections is adapted to correspond to the distance between a patient's upper trapezius muscle and jaw. The height of the right and left sections is independent of the height of the central section. Further, the jaw support may include a cushioning pad and a covering of anti-decubitus material.

Abstract: A device is provided for maintaining the head of a patient in predetermined spatial relationship to the body of the patient. The device comprises an elliptical truncated member (halo) adapted to fit around the patient's head from front to back. The elliptical member, or open-backed halo includes a stiffening brim integrally associated with it at the front portion of the halo. The halo also includes a plurality of mounting holes and vibrational isolators for receiving skull pins to contact and grip the patient's head. The halo further includes, midway between the front and rear of the elliptical member two depressed segments which allow for positioning of skull tongs on the patient's head while the halo remains on the patient. The device also includes adjustable means for attaching the open-backed halo to a vest worn by the patient.