Abstract: Nasal splint system comprising a nasal splint (6) with a central part designed to rest on the bridge of the nose and two lateral parts designed to rest on each side on the cheek adjacent the nose, wherein the nasal splint (6) is adaptable to the individual form of the nose of a patient and can be fixed, if necessary, additionally with a forehead support (7) consisting of a transversal part (8) designed to rest on the forehead (15) and a central part (9) designed to rest on the nasal splint (6). The nasal splint (6) and/or the forehead support (7) are formed of a compound structure consisting of an intermediate flexible layer, of a foam rubber layer adjacent the nose being covered by a skin-compatible adhesive layer, and of a layer covering the adhesive layer. The fixation of the nasal splint (6) may be effected by means of skin-compatible adhesive tapes (11) on the left cheek and of the right cheek and, if necessary, by means of a forehead support (7), which is also fixed by adhesive tapes (17). (FIG.

Abstract: An artificial skin construction for use in overlying a body restorative device to be applied to the body of an individual. The construction provides a cosmetically pleasing skin appearance matched to the skin coloration of the body. The construction has a plurality of see-through layers intermixed with colorant containing layers to provide real life appearance to the artifical skin construction.

Abstract: A nasal splint comprising a turbinate retaining portion and securing system for securing the splint against the nasal septum and causing the turbinate retaining portion of the splint to retain the middle turbinate against the nasal septum. In operation, the nasal splint is placed inside the nose prior to performing endoscopic surgery. The splint is secured to the nasal septum so as to retain the middle turbinate against the nasal septum. Endoscopic surgery is then performed while still retaining the middle turbinate against the nasal septum.

Abstract: The halo ring comprises a generally elliptical ring interrupted at one end and having a circular cross-section. Split ring clamps are provided along the ring, each clamp having a set screw for temporarily adjusting the ring in a selected longitudinal along and angular position about the halo ring. Attachment clamps in the form of split rings are also provided the halo ring body for securing the halo ring to a support structure. By threading pins through the pin clamps into the individual's skull and employing lock nuts, the pin clamps can be finally secured to the halo ring body.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying traction or compression force to a patient in the treatment of an injured or diseased part of a musculoskeletal system, in which a point (b) is situated on a first side of a part to be treated L and a point (a) is situated on an opposite side of part L, point (a) being mobile with respect to point (b). The apparatus includes at least one connecting element R connecting point (a) to a point (p) located on a support. At least one force-transmitting element transmits traction or compression force F.sub.R from a force-applying device to each connecting element R. A control unit, which is connected to a force sensor and an acceleration sensor, controls the force-applying device such that the traction or compression force F.sub.R is adjusted to a value which is sufficient to keep a traction or compression force F.sub.O applied to part L constant and to compensate for any changes in F.sub.

Abstract: A back brace having interlocking frame members jointed at a first pivotal hinge connection where the two vertically disposed members join the other member. The two vertical members join each other at an adjustable second hinged connection. Above the first hinge connection the upper vertical member may be removed to make the brace appear less conspicuous. Four straps with end hook and loop members allow attachment of the brace to a user's forehead, shoulders and waist.

Abstract: A halo adapted to enclose the forehead and temples of a patient including at least two frontotemporal bars (1) which are joined to each other, and two half-arches (2) which are joined to each other and are fixed connected with the frontotemporal bars, the joined half-arches forming an arch enclosing the posterosuperior zone of the cranium of the patient. The frontotemporal bars (1) and the half-arches (2) are interconnected through bars (4, 5) overlapping the contiguous ends of the former. The mutually facing portions of the frontotemporal bars, the half-arches and the interconnecting bars include orifices (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12) facilitating rigid fastening together thereof by assembly screws (6). At least some of the orifices of the interconnecting bars, the frontotemporal bars, and the half-arches being oblong slots (7, 8, 12), facilitating adapting the dimensions of the halo to the morphology of the cranium of the patient.

Abstract: A cervical brace includes a support brace which, in use, is receivable about and circumferentially surrounds a wearer's neck and is generally supportable on the wearer's shoulders and upper torso. The support brace includes a pair of spaced-apart generally vertically-extending, length-adjustable front struts, and a pair of spaced-apart, generally vertically extending, length adjustable rear struts, spaced rearwardly from the front struts, each of which struts has a top end and a bottom end, and two pairs of upper and lower spaced-apart, generally horizontally extending, length-adjustable side struts, each pair of which connects one of the front struts to the rear strut disposed rearwardly thereof. A pair of generally horizontally-disposed length adjustable front and rear cross braces connect the front and rear struts, respectively, together adjacent to lower ends thereof.

Abstract: A nasal splint comprising a turbinate retaining portion and a securing system for securing the splint against the nasal septum and causing the turbinate retaining portion of the splint to retain the middle turbinate against the nasal septum. In operation, the nasal splint is placed inside the nose prior to performing endoscopic surgery. The splint is secured to the nasal septum so as to retain the middle turbinate against the nasal septum. Endoscopic surgery is then performed while still retaining the middle turbinate against the nasal septum.

Abstract: A cervical orthosis has front and rear cervical orthosis members. The front cervical orthosis member includes a chest support abutting against the region from the shoulders to the chest. Two front supporting portions are arranged from the chest support along both side portions of the anterior of neck and both side portions of the head. The rear cervical orthosis member includes a back support abutting against the region from the shoulders to the back. Two rear supporting portions are arranged from the back support along both side portions of the posterior of neck. An occipital region brace portion extends further upward from the upper end of each of the rear supporting portions so as to brace the occipital region. The cervical orthosis also has a forehead brace member abutting against the forehead and bracing the frontal region, and a cheek brace member arranged on the internal surfaces of the front supporting portions so as to brace the cheeks without disturbing the movement of the mandible.

Abstract: An external cranial protective device which provides a protective and aesthetically pleasing function in protecting the brain of an individual where a section of the bone has been removed from the skull or face.

Abstract: A cervical brace including occipital and chin supports rigidly interconnected by rigid support bar means and interlocking assemblies in a manner maintaining such in fixed though adjustable position for fitting thereof to a patient. As the preferred form, a U-shaped support bar extends between an occipital support and a chin support with fastening means provided on each side of the chin support for releasably securing the legs of the support bar to the chin support. Adjustable stops are provided along the support bar legs.

Abstract: An improved immobilization device (10) for specific patients and body parts is provided which insures that a body part is immobilized and can be successively repositioned in the same location during successive treatments. The device (10) is thus particularly applicable for treatment such as radiation therapy where it is important to properly focus treating radiation on a particular locale from treatment-to-treatment. The device (10) preferably includes a frame assembly (16) adapted to rest upon a surface and which supports a preformed, shape-retaining material (12) presenting a concavity (14) substantially conforming with a selected body part to be immobilized. The device (10) when used for head immobilization, may also be provided with stabilizer (98) in the form of an adjustably positioned bite block (134). Hold-down straps (52, 54) can also be employed for further immobilization.

Abstract: A medical device immobilizes a patient's head and enables the patient to lie face down without turning the face to either side. A cushioned face-shaped frame has a rigid convex open mesh attached to it so that the patient's face is spaced apart from a support surface when the periphery of a patient's face lies against the cushioned frame. A transversely extending base having an adjustable height is connected to the frame by an interconnecting member having an adjustable length. The patient's chest overlies the base and therefore the face-receiving frame is held against movement when the device is in use. The effective height of the base and its distance from the frame are adjustable for the comfort of the patient.

Abstract: Elastic cable exercise apparatus is provided with adjustably positionable, rotatable hand-hold grips, safety loop means for arresting cable contraction when a door is utilized for anchoring the cable, and a harness for being worn on the head and attached to a cable to facilitate exercise of neck muscles.

Abstract: A cranial securing device has now been developed which includes a plurality of threaded holes for receiving skull pins, and a plurality of threaded holes for receiving tong pins. In practice, the device may be positioned on the head of the patient for traction. A traction is then applied to the patient through the cranial securing device. Once the traction is removed from the patient, the device may be rotated about the tong pins and appropriately positioned for use as a halo, while the tong pins are in place. Once positioned, skull pins may be inserted through the device to affix the device to the patient's head. The tong pins can then be removed and the device can be used as a halo. Furthermore, the device is designed to be used either forwards or backwards, with the open end in the front of the patient or in the rear of the patient.

Abstract: A cranial securing device has now been developed which includes a plurality of threaded holes for receiving skull pins, and a plurality of threaded holes for receiving tong pins. In practice, the device may be positioned on the head of the patient for traction. A traction is then applied to the patient through the cranial securing device. Once the traction is removed from the patient, the device may be rotated about the tong pins and appropriately positioned for use as a halo, while the tong pins are in place. Once positioned, skull pins may be inserted through the device to affix the device to the patient's head. The tong pins can then be removed and the device can be used as a halo. Furthermore, the device is designed to be used either forwards or backwards, with the open end in the front of the patient or in the rear of the patient.

Abstract: A cervical brace for painful cervical disorders and injuries includes an elongated, posterior stabilizer molded to the shape of the wearer's posterior occipital, cervical and thoracic surfaces when in the medically desirable position characterized by the shoulders being in a square "military" position and the head retracted with the ear lobes over the superior point of the shoulders. The inferior portion of the stabilizer is fixed against the wearer's upper and mid-thoracic region by a pair of adjustable arm loops and optional trunk strap which also bring and maintain the shoulders to the square "military" position. A chin strap is attached to the superior portion of the stabilizer and is operable to apply a force posteriorly at the chin to draw the head posteriorly toward the superior portion of the stabilizer.

Abstract: A set of supportive pivots and an approach for their use permit individuals to administer a wide variety of types of motion therapy and conditioning for the spinal, rib, and skull regions. Singly, and in various combinations, the pivots support the lumbar, thoracic, cervical, cranial, and shoulder regions, when a person lies on the back or stomach on an accommodative support surface, with the spine unloaded. Most of the pivots are contoured with a longitudinal fulcrum parallel to the spine. A person lying on an individual pivot or pairs of the pivots can apply a mild pivotal traction to the spine by properly positioning the pivots and shifting weight to create traction and self mobilization. Another set of pivots can be placed under the shoulders when the person lies on the stomach, to stretch the chest musculature, to mobilize the ribs and breastbone joints, and to exercise the shoulder girdle.

Abstract: A device adapted to support the head of a seated user relative to a generally upstanding portion of a seat, stroller, or the like, has a strap adapted to encircle the head of the user and the generally upstanding portion. The strap contains a plurality of inflatable balloons having generally flat rear surfaces and expandable frontal surfaces, whereby upon inflation the generally flat rear surfaces of the balloons remain flat, and the frontal surfaces bulge outwardly from the rear surfaces to contact and support the user's head.

Abstract: A nasal dressing holder having a central band positionable under the nose for holding a nasal dressing or packing in place, a pair of support straps on either side of the band positionable across the cheeks, a pair of thin elastic loops which are positionable around the ears for holding the device in place, and means for releasably adjusting the strap length. In a preferred embodiment, a double-sided hook tab is positionable between a folded end of the support strap and another portion of the strap and is releasably attachable to loop material on the strap, to enable releasable and adjustable attachment of the device to a patient. The tension applied to the dressing or packing can be varied by adjusting the folded connection between the strap and the hook tab.

Abstract: For securing a patient's head in a head immobilizer, a dual adhesive strap is provided which is designed to lay across and adhere to the patient's forehead and have each of its ends adhere to a spine board. The strap has a bottom side comprising a central region which comprises skin contact adhesive flanked by two regions which comprise board contact adhesive. The board contact adhesive is stronger than the skin contact adhesive, such that the strap stays adhered under various environmental conditions, and the skin of the patient's forehead is not injured by the skin contact adhesive. The strap and the adhesive regions are preferably large enough to accommodate many sizes of heads, spine boards, and head immobilizers. Preferably, a removable backing covers the adhesive side of the strap.

Abstract: A nasal splint is described to separate the mucoperiosteum within a nasal cavity. The splint includes an elongate base sized and shaped to separate the inferior conchae. A flexible wing extends away from the base to separate the walls of the middle conchae when the splint is in place within the nasal cavity. A hollow tube is also provided on the base for defining an air passage.

Abstract: A head and neck support device (10) is described. The device (10) includes a first plate (12) and a second plate (98). The first plate extends along the back of the torso (202) and is strapped to the torso by a torso harness (70). The second plate extends upward from the first plate behind the head (204) and neck (206) of the person (200). A head harness (142) for grasping the head is attached to the device by a tether (148) which is inserted through slots (138C, 140C) in a right and left harness support (138, 140) mounted on the second plate (98). The head harness allows the head to rotate while maintaining the head in a desired position.

Abstract: A cranial remodeling orthosis is shaped to extend across the top of the head with depending regions closely confining the temporal bone regions and the mastoid process regions of the cranium. The orthosis is self-suspending and preferably includes an elastic band for imparting ear-to-ear rigidity to the device.

Abstract: A head immobilization device for an accident patient and a manufacturing blank of sheet material, such as cardboard, for making such a device are described. The manufacturing blank is H-shaped and provided with fold lines. The blank is folded to form the head immobilization device with a pair of triangular cylinders which extend longitudinally upward from the top surface of a head support center section on opposite sides of such section to prevent lateral movement of the head. The head immobilization device is provided with adhesive tape on the bottom surface of the center section to attach such device to a flat support such as a back-board. Ear hole slots are provided in the inner sides of the triangular cylinders to enable examination of the ears. The sides of the triangular cylinders are releasably fastened by hook and loop fasteners.

Abstract: A head alignment system for a person having reduced musculature or loss of muscle control of their neck and shoulders, whereby the device maintains the head of the person in a generally upright position. The device comprises at least one pulley attached to a support, a headband having two ends, and a cord having two ends, each of the ends of the cord being adjustably attached to a corresponding one of the ends of the headband. The cord being received by the pulley and the headband and the cord forming an adjustable loop. The loop being adapted for placement about the head of the person, whereby the cord is adjusted so that the head of the person is held generally upright. The cord, by moving about the pulley, permits the headband to move with the head of the person as the person rotates their head about an axis extending from their neck through the top of their head.

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: The lip-closing, anti-snoring device provides an adjustable, flexible U-shaped device wherein the arcuate shaped base rests on the user's clavical portion of the collar bone and the flexible inverted J-shaped sides are adjusted to lightly embrace and lift the flesh about the chin to maintain the lips in a closed position.

Abstract: A nasal dressing holder consisting of an elastic band positionable under the nose for holding a nasal dressing and packing in place, a pair of non-stretchable straps on either side of the band positionable across the cheeks, and a pair of thin elastic loops which are positionable around the ears for holding the device in place. A double-sided hook tab is positionable between a folded end of the strap and another portion of the strap and is releasably attachable to loop material on the strap, to enable releasable and adjustable attachment of the device to a patient. The tension applied to the dressing and packing can be varied by adjusting the folded connection between the strap and the loop.

Abstract: A head impact force diversion system utilizes an apertured helmet, a rigid transfer arm, and a vest. The helmet, possessing an opening associated with an elevation which may be pivotable upon the helmet or integral with its surface, and vest are worn in a conventional manner. The rigid transfer arm is mounted and affixed to the vest and extends upward from the mounting, arches near and enters the aperture of the helmet, and terminates underneath the elevation. This system permits the usual range of motion of the head and neck during various activities and protects the head and neck when the helmet receives an impact force.

Abstract: A support device (10) intended for use by people who suffer from neck dysfunction resulting in loss of head control is described. The support device is designed to support the head while reducing undesirable head motions relative to the torso. The support device includes a stiff support means mounted on the torso such as a yoke (13) worn over the shoulders and the upper torso and a mast (11) that extends upward from the yoke, behind the wearer's head to a rear portion of the head at a height approximately equal to the head's center of gravity (approximately eye level). A head harness (30) is worn on the head. A tether system (20), consisting of one or more tethers (25), is attached between a slider line (21) mounted on the head harness and a portion of the mast, adjacent the rear portion of the head of the person. The head harness connects the head harness to the mast to couple the head and the torso.

Abstract: A head and neck support device (10) is described. The device (10) includes a first plate (12) and a second plate (98). The first plate extends along the back of the torso (202) and is strapped to the torso by a torso harness (70). The second plate extends upward from the first plate behind the head (204) and neck (206) of the person (200). A head harness (142) for grasping the head is attached to the device by a tether (148) which is inserted through slots (138C, 140C) in a right and left harness support (138, 140) mounted on the second plate (98). The head harness allows the head to rotate while maintaining the head in a desired position.

Abstract: An external cranial protective device which provides a protective and aesthetically pleasing function in protecting the brain of an individual where a section of the bone has been removed from the skull or face.

Abstract: A cervical collar arranged to be stored flat comprises an anterior member, a generally C-shaped chin support member, a connecting pin attaching each end of the chin support member to the anterior member, a posterior member formed to provide a back engaging edge portion and an occipital support portion, and fastening means for releasably retaining the ends of the anterior and posterior means in juxtaposition. Another cervical collar is similarly constructed, but has the chin support preformed and attached to the anterior member or formed as an integral part of the anterior member.

Abstract: A head immobilization device is disclosed comprising a foundation portion and a restraining portion. The foundation portion comprises a foundational panel and an adhesive first spine board engaging element situated on the lower surface of the foundation panel. The restraining portion comprises a base panel, two side panels extending laterally from the outer sides of the base panel, and at least one band of material for affixing the side panels to each other in suitable conformance with the patient's head.

Abstract: A cephalic and cervical support apparatus for immobilization and traction of the cervical rachis including a semirigid, flexible unitary shell having a facial opening and upper, middle and lower sections. The upper section substantially conforms to a wearer's head and has a forehead strap which extends in a substantially horizontal direction across the wearer's forehead. The middle section substantially conforms to a wearer's neck area, encircling the neck area, and having a division in the shell in the submandibular region. The lower section substantially conforms to the wearer's upper shoulder, back and chest area, and has a division connected to the division in the middle section which allows the shell to be opened for installation on a wearer. The division can be releasably closed by a fastening device, and the support apparatus can be held on a wearer by engagement of a pair of arm straps.

Abstract: A halo system orthopedic appliance includes an adjustable two poster arrangement in which the connections between the respective posts and the appliance are made with respective clamp mechanisms. Each poster is slidably received in a channel formed by each clamp. Each clamp is rotatably received on a single clamp screw which when tightened simultaneously fixes the slidably adjusted position of the post relative the clamp and the rotatably adjusted position of the clamp relative the appliance. Serrations on opposing surfaces between respectively paired clamps and adapter brackets carried on the halo ring, and respectively between two clamps and superstructure supported on a patient vest, enhances the clamping effect. During application of the appliance, the patient's skeletal process is first aligned in a desired orientation, and thereafter the four respective clamps located adjacent each end of the pair of posters are secured.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for supporting the head, the neck and the upper body. The apparatus includes a first assembly for supporting an upper portion of the head. In one preferred example, the first support assembly includes a headband to be fitted around the head for reducing lateral-rotational movements due to bio-mechanical thrust. A second support assembly is provided for supporting a lower portion of the head. In a preferred example, the second support assembly includes a chin support which is structurally separate from the first support assembly. A third support assembly is provided for supporting a portion of the upper body. In a preferred example, the third support assembly includes a vest which substantially encompasses the upper body. An interconnecting arrangement is employed to adjustably and detachably connect the first support assembly and the second support assembly to portions of the third support assembly.

Abstract: A postural training and correcting device comprises a rod which is held firmly to a wearer's spine by way of adjustable elastic belts around the abdominal, shoulder, and head areas and achieves correct postural alignment by encouraging the wearer to hold in the abdominal muscles, hold the upper thoracic spine upright, and keep the neck and head in correct postural alignment with the wearer's body.

Abstract: A cervical traction device includes a vest to be worn by a patient with a spine or neck injury, a halo adapted to be secured to the patient's head, support rods interconnecting the halo and the vest, and an expansion member disposed between the halo and the support rods for adjusting the supporting force applied to the halo. The expansion member includes a calibrated scale for measuring and displaying the supporting force so that a balanced supporting force can be applied to the halo.

Abstract: A system for applying a stereotaxic headring, as used in neurosurgery, in which a brace performs the functions of immobilizing a patient's head with respect to the shoulders and upper torso and also of rigidity supporting the headring in a selected position of adjustment. The brace therefore fixes both the head and headring against relative movement, allowing the headring to be anchored directly to the patient's skull in the precise position selected. Once the headring is so anchored, the brace may be removed and conventional stereotaxic neurosurgical procedures may be undertaken.

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.

Abstract: A flexible support brace transfers excessive back motion of a sports helmet through a flexible interlinked brace, which floats freely between two spaced circumferential spans on the helmet during normal play but which engage with the helmet and collapses to a braced configuration if the helmet is excessively pulled back or pushed forward. In the braced configuration, helmet loads are transferred to the shoulder pads of the player directly thus transferring excessive head loads into the chest area of the player where they can be more safely absorbed.

Abstract: A cervical collar is disclosed which is formed from a stiff flexible plastic material and comprises (a) a neck encircling band comprising a back portion and a front portion and (b) a chin support formed from such plastic material. The collar provides two features which confer greater comfort when the collar is worn for extended periods of time. The chin support is supported to reduce the force of contact between the chin support and the top edge of the front portion of said collar. In a preferred embodiment, the support is provided by a plurality of load-bearing tabs extending from the top edge of the front portion of the collar. The collar also has a shelf-forming member which is attached to the back portion of the collar.

Abstract: A cranial remodeling band has an internal surface shaped to the configuration to which a subject's cranium is to be reconfigured. The band has at least one discontinuity therein permitting relative movement of anterior and posterior portions of the band. An elastic member extending across the discontinuity biases the anterior and posterior regions toward each other.

Abstract: Recovery from human ethmoidectomy or other pan-sinus surgery wherein the human middle turbinate is subjected to surgical procedure is improved by a post-operative healing technique which comprises inserting over at least a portion of the post-operative middle turbinate a turbinate sheath device. The novel turbinate sheath comprises a septal plate member having an integrally formed turbinate sheathing portion extending along an outer surface of said rear plate portion in a substantially horizontal position, said turbinate sheathing portion having an upper open slot portion adapted to receive and hold the middle turbinate during post-operative healing. The turbinate sheath device is secured by attaching the septal plate member to a nasal portion during healing, whereby the middle turbinate is separated from the septum and lateral nasal wall to prevent adhesion.

Abstract: A three-point cervical fixation device for a human patient, having a vertical support device extending substantially parallel to the patient's spine, the support having upper and lower ends adjacent the head and torso of the patient, respectively. The upper end of the support means is connected with the patient's head by a first connecting device, and a second connecting device connects a lower portion of the support device with the torso of the patient. A force-applying device connected with the support applies a force to the patient intermediate the first and the second connecting devices in a direction generally away from the support, thereby to stabilize the patient's spine.

Abstract: An interdental immobilization device consists, in the preferred embodiment, of a longitudinal deformable shaft having a smooth cylindrical portion that terminates as a pointed tip at the distal end and a helical threaded portion at the proximate end. A nut defining an aperture therethrough matingly threads along the helical threaded portion and the length of the deformable shaft is such as to permit the distal portion of the cylindrical portion to encircle the tooth and to loop above the shaft over a segment of the helical threaded portion. In an alternative embodiment, the longitudinal shaft has a detent at the proximate end and there are anchoring fixtures in the form of truncated conics which are adapted to travel along the shaft. One of the fixtures anchors in the detent and the other, is engaged against adjacent teeth by the nut, when the nut is turned down on the helical thread.