Abstract: A traction device comprises a frame, a first bladder portion, a second bladder portion, a spacer, and a pump. The first bladder expands in an outward direction a distance greater than in a transverse direction. The second bladder expands in an angular direction. The second bladder is positioned generally below and to the side of the first bladder. Upon expanding in the outward direction, the first bladder bears against the back of the user's neck. Upon expanding in the transverse direction, the first bladder applies an angular traction to the cervical spine. Upon expanding in the angular direction, the second bladder bears angularly against the back of the user's upper thoracic region.

Abstract: A traction device comprises a frame, a first bladder portion, a second bladder portion, a strap, and a pump. The first bladder expands in an outward direction a distance greater than in a transverse direction. The second bladder expands in an angular direction. The second bladder is positioned generally below and to the side of the first bladder. The frame is secured to the user's head. Upon expanding in the outward direction, the first bladder bears against the back of the user's neck and forces the cervical spine to curve forwardly. Upon expanding in the transverse direction, the first bladder applies an angular traction to the cervical spine. Upon expanding in the angular direction, the second bladder bears angularly against the back of the user's upper thoracic region and forces the thoracic spine to decompress and reduces hyper-kyphosis of the upper thoracic spine.

Abstract: A device for prevention of snoring in the form of a neck collar (1) with a middle section (2) for placement under the chin of a user, side sections (3, 4) connecting to said middle section and end parts (5, 6), optionally connectable to each other, consisting of a core of foam plastic contained in a covering. The foam plastic is a soft foam plastic, an opening (7) is formed in said middle section (2) and resilient means (14; 15; 27; 28) for adjustment of the height of the opening (7) and thereby the height of the middle section (2) are arranged in said opening (7).

Abstract: A fracture reduction is mechanically achieved by supporting a body region having the bone fracture on a frame. A first reduction mechanism on the frame is operated to apply to the bone fracture a first predefined force reduction vector that returns the bone fracture to a corrective alignment in a first anatomic orientation, while also mechanically maintaining the corrective alignment in the first anatomic orientation. Independently, a second reduction mechanism on the frame is operated to apply a second predefined force reduction vector that returns the bone fracture to a corrective alignment in a second anatomic orientation different than the first anatomic orientation without altering the corrective alignment in the first anatomic orientation, while mechanically maintaining the corrective alignment in the second anatomic orientation. The fracture reduction is mechanically fixed by mechanically guiding the placement at least one bone fixing device into the reduced bone fracture.

Abstract: A method of using and assembling a device configured to treat a spine of a patient is provided. The method of assembling includes providing a support member configured to be connected to a torso of a patient and coupling an actuator mechanism to the support member, the actuator mechanism configured to distract a spine of the patient relative to the torso by extending in a generally superior direction relative to the support member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for providing passive traction involving a pair of rails with 8 degrees of freedom and matching the user's spinal curve for providing relaxation and other medical treatment to a user.

Abstract: A spinal stretching and decompression device (10) that is effective for treating a plurality of spinal disorders or lower back conditions, such as sciatica. The device (10) is worn around a person's mid-section, and encompasses the person's buttocks and crotch region, during an exercise or stretching session. There are two embodiments of the device (10) with both embodiments comprising a base support belt (12 or 112), a lower support unit (44) that is attached to the base support belt (12 or 112), a first side support belt (72) and a second side support belt (92). The two side support belts pass through loops on the base support belt (92) and each belt is secured together around a person's waist. The difference between the two embodiment is that the first embodiment elements are integrally attached, and the second embodiment elements are removably attached by multiple buckles.

Abstract: There is provided a device for use with a patient. The device includes a first load line including an anchor attachment end and a first inline end. The anchor attachment end is sized and configured to be attachable in a terminating manner to an anchor object. The device further includes a second load line including a head attachment end and a second inline end. The head attachment end is sized and configured to attach to a head of the patient. The device further includes an elastomeric member disposed between and attached to the first and second inline ends. The elastomeric member has a significantly lower linear elastic modulus than each of the first and second load lines. The device further includes an adjustment element sized and configured to adjust the tension in an effective tension length of the device.

Abstract: A lumbar traction device that can alleviate lower back pain is provided. The device includes a harness or girdle that is fitted about the torso region of a patient and an adjustable support assembly in the form of adjustable legs that allow the degree of traction to be adjusted by the patient. The device is safe and easy to use by a patient without constant medical supervision and is particularly suitable for use in domestic or office environments.

Abstract: A lumbar traction device is operable to be used by a user that has a lumbar region and a lower leg. The device includes a garment that includes at least one coupling member. The device also includes a lumbar support member operable to be worn adjacent to the lumbar region. The device also includes at least one lower leg support to be worn adjacent to the lower leg. Moreover, the device includes at least one connecting member connecting the lumbar support member and the lower leg support. The connecting member is substantially inelastic, and a load applied to the lower leg support is transferred to the lumbar support member via the connecting member to provide distraction to the lumbar region of the user. Moreover, the lumbar support member, the lower leg support, and/or the connecting member is coupled to the garment via the coupling member.

Abstract: A traction exercise apparatus comprises a rectangular shaped metal frame including a pair of metal vertical members, a metal horizontal member on a bottom side, and a pair of metal horizontal members on a top side. A first rotating metal shaft and a second rotating metal shaft are located across the pair of metal horizontal members. Further a pair of ankle braces is attached to a snap hook. A cable pulley on each side of the first rotating metal shaft supports a first metal cable attached to the snap hook. A first cable reel on each side of second rotating metal shaft supports the first metal cable. A second cable reel on each side of the second rotating metal shaft supports a second metal cable attached to a hand grab bar. Second rotating metal shaft rotates to transmit a tension to the first metal cable to perform different traction exercises.

Abstract: A therapeutic traction device for increasing intervertebral spaces along a cervical spine of a user includes a user interface, a controller, a neck rest section, a crossbar provided with first and second clamps, a curvilinear back pad connected to an anterior side of the crossbar, and a utility box connected to a posterior side of the crossbar. The utility box includes a rectilinear driven rod partially seated within the utility box and statically mated to the neck rest section, and a mechanism for linearly reciprocating the driven rod along a first vertical travel path defined posterior of the back pad such that the neck rest section is synchronously raised and lowered above the crossbar. In this manner, the back pad remains statically mated to the crossbar while the neck rest section is raised and lowered along a second vertical travel path defined anterior of the first vertical travel path.

Abstract: In order to improve a support (2) for supporting a patient, particularly for surgical procedures in the shoulder region, said support comprising a substantially flat body part (4) and a bowl-shaped head part, said body part (4) comprising a back part (6) and a thorax part (8) tapered in relation thereto, the head part (10) being disposed on said thorax part by means of a transitional region, with the thorax part (8) and the transitional region sloping upwards such that the head part (10) is higher than the back part (6), and with said head part being adapted to the human profile and comprising a removable, inflatable support for adapting the position of the patient to the current positional or treatment requirements, the invention proposes that the transitional region be designed as neck part (12) and also be adapted to the human profile, comprising a removable, inflatable support for adapting the position of the patient to the current positional or treatment requirements.

Abstract: A splint is provided having a framesheet with a pocket to receive a rigid tube. The framesheet is secured about the injured limb by a plurality of dynamic closure straps. An optional traction bar having a cantilever arm and adjustable link is inserted on the end of the collapsible rigid tube, and connected to a harness that applies traction to the limb. The countertraction force is dissipated throughout the entire framesheet, eliminating externally applied pressure points against contiguous anatomy.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the treatment of fractures of the distal radius having a means for applying traction to a fractured forearm using a resilient cantilever spring digit gripping device to assist in the manipulative reduction of the fracture, and a means for maintaining the reduced fracture of the distal forearm in a determinable position of flexion, ulnar deviation and pronation enabling the application of a closely fitting, well molded immobilization means such as a cast.

Abstract: A lumbar traction device is herein disclosed. The lumbar traction device includes a lumbar support member to be worn adjacent to a lumbar region of a user, at least one lower leg support to be worn adjacent to a lower leg of the user, and at least one connecting member connecting the lumbar support member and the at least one lower leg support, the at least one connecting member being substantially inelastic. When a load is applied to the at least one lower leg support, the load is transferred to the lumbar support member via the at least one connecting member. When the load is transferred to the lumbar support member, the lumbar support member forcibly presses against the lower lumbar area of user, thereby distracting the hip bone from the lower vertebrae.

Abstract: A traction device includes a base panel having a frame member pivotally attached to an edge thereof. The frame member is formed of a telescoping leg with a telescoping arm extending from its upper end. The frame member supports a tensioning cable having a neck harness at a distal end for fastening to a patient's head. A proximal end of the cable is attached to a tensioning mechanism slidably mounted on the leg. The tensioning mechanism includes a telescoping, pneumatic cylinder that is extended with a compressible bulb. The cylinder engages a pivotal lever that pulls the cable downwardly when the cylinder is extended, thereby applying tension to the harness.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a plantar fasciitis rehabilitation controlling device. It mainly comprises a securing portion, a rotatable portion, a torque pivoting portion, a pulling portion, and a controller. The securing portion and the rotatable portion are provided for securing a user's shank and foot. This torque pivoting portion can create a torque causing the rotatable portion moving back. The pulling portion has a controller so as to pull the rotatable portion to rotate between a first angle and a second angle so that it can reduce possibility of the plantar fasciitis and ease pain of the plantar fasciitis. Hence, this invention can achieve an active rehabilitation exercise. The belt's pulling interval time can be adjusted. It has a safety switch to ensure its product safety. It is convenient that the user can use a wireless device to operate this system. In addition, the user can be informed about current condition via an audio device.

Abstract: A method for treating a user's back, a user's neck, or combinations thereof. The method can include the steps of: inserting a traction device into a pouch of a fabric garment; disposing the fabric garment over a user; engaging the traction device with a surface; and applying a pressure to the traction device using the user's back. The traction device can provide a therapeutic pressure to the user's back, to the user's neck, or to combinations thereof. The method can use a customizable traction device having a shearable fraction head and body. The shearable traction head and body can each be cut to a custom size to fit a user. The method can use a removable fabric chair cover disposed over a chair. A user can sit on the chair and apply a pressure to the traction device using the user's back.

Abstract: An adjustable spinal rehabilitation device includes a bed frame, three soft pads thereon, five elevation adjustment mechanisms provided between the bed frame and the soft pads for adjusting inclinations of the soft pads, an inverted U-shaped frame provided outside the bed frame and coupled thereto from above, two tractors provided outside the inverted U-shaped frame, and five fastening belts. Four fastening belts are tied to the bed frame bilaterally for fixing in position a rehabilitation patient. Cords coupled to two fastening belts extend from the tractors and penetrate holes of the inverted U-shaped frame so as for the cords to be coupled to pulley trains disposed on rails provided on inner sides of the inverted U-shaped frame, respectively. The tractors pull the rehabilitation patient to increase inclination of the rehabilitation patient's thoracic and lumbar spine to a required angle and pull the rehabilitation patient's cervical spine from a required angle.

Abstract: A limb support system for supporting one or more limbs of a patient during surgery is disclosed. The limb support system may include one or more joints formed from electromagnets that move locking mechanisms between locked and unlocked positions to enable a patient's limb to be supported in a desired position. At least one of the joints may be supported by a support arm that is attached to support structure. A limb support device, such as, but not limited to, an armrest or a wrist support may be attached to the housing of the joint.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an underwater exercise and physical therapy device for joint release and spinal adjustment wherein a tube is worn on a user's upper body and weights are worn on the user's feet in a water tank having a predetermined depth wherein his feet are spaced apart from the bottom surface thereof to carry out underwater exercise and physical therapy by using the buoyant force of the tube and the gravity of the weights, thereby enabling his joints to be released, making his muscles reformed, and further adjusting and preventing his spinal diseases.

Abstract: A device 50 for supporting and positioning a part of a patient's body includes at least two joints 62, 64, 66 each having a locked state and an unlocked state and a release system for allowing an operator to select between the locked state and the unlocked state. The release system has an operator interface remote from the joints and at a location that enables the operator to support the weight of the body part while at least one of the joints is in the unlocked state.

Abstract: Patient body part traction exerting and control kit apparatus, comprising in combination a motor driven rotary drive means to tension a traction exerting line; a support means carrying rotary drive means and configured to be attached to equipment at an attraction exertion site, to present drive means for traction line operation attached to aid rotary drive means; the support means having a first section attached to the equipment, and a second section carrying rotary drive means for displacement enabling sideward shifting of a traction line to accommodate patient body shifting, while under traction.

Abstract: According to a medical traction device containing a polymer molded article having biocompatibility as a weight for traction of a living tissue to be resected under observation with an endoscope, and a medical traction equipment containing the medical traction device and a grasping member connected to each other, such a medical traction device or traction equipment is provided that in ESD in a digestive tract, a dissected living tissue is efficiently removed from the operative field also in a direction that is different from the moving direction of the endoscope, thereby maintaining the field of view, and the procedures are thus performed safely and rapidly.

Abstract: A spine and neck support device adapted to support the anatomical structures in the cervical and upper thoracic spine when the user's neck is in flexion. A cushion conforms about the user's anatomical neck structures and rests on the upper chest of the user. The cushion has a chin support area that avoids contacting the user's chin when the user's head is in a neutral position and contacts the user's chin when the user's neck is in flexion. When the user's neck is flexed and the user's chin contacts the chin support area, the cushion unloads and supports the user's neck. At least one and preferably two straps are attached to the cushion and secure it to the user. The top is sloped downwards from back to front to maximize the user's downward field of vision. A groove in the posterior surface of the cushion accommodates the user's trachea/esophagus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device comprising a shaped shoulder piece to rest on the shoulders of a person to be treated, and a shaped head piece to be laid on it, as support for the chin and two bottom points of the rear lower edge of the skull. This ensures a three-point support of the head on the top side of this shaped head piece. Further, the device comprises a lifting mechanism, which is inserted between the back of the shaped shoulder piece and the shaped head piece. This lifting mechanism is simply a pump in the form of a bellows with a one-way valve for discharge, by which the air cushion can be inflated and discharged arbitrarily.

Abstract: A cervical traction device advantageously includes a therapeutic pack that can be separately heated or chilled for use with the device. The most common application is a cold pack insertable in a recessed pocket of the device to provide cold therapy as the device is inflated during cervical decompression. The structure preferably includes a series of bladders that cooperate to define a cavity for accepting the therapeutic pack on an inside surface for thermal exchange with the neck of a user.

Abstract: A hip traction device, system, and associated methods are disclosed. Such a device may include a base having a proximal end and a distal end, a guide coupled to the base, a carrier configured to move along the guide upon receiving a force from a tensioner to move the carrier toward the distal end of the base, causing a leg to be put in tension, and a single body coupling mechanism either removably attachable or permanently attached to the carrier and configured to securely attach to a lower portion of a leg, such that the portion of the leg moves with the carrier during operation of the tensioner.

Abstract: A traction splint device for providing aid to a person suffering from a broken or fractured lower extremity. The device generally includes a collapsible shaft adapted to be positioned alongside a leg of a patient, a first support connected to a first end of the shaft, and a second support connected to a second end of the shaft. The first support is adapted to be positioned forwardly of a lower end of the leg and includes a center brace having a notch. A plurality of stabilizing straps traverse the shaft and are adapted to constrain the leg. At least one of the straps is adapted to wrap around the notch of the center brace to secure a lower end of the leg and at least one of the straps is adapted to extend through an opening of the second support to secure an upper end of the leg.

Abstract: A shoulder lift includes a hollow bent shaft that has a first end and a second end and that defines an interior of the bent shaft. First and second openings leading to the interior of the bent shaft are formed at the first and second ends, respectively. The shoulder lift also includes a cable having a first end and a second end. The cable runs through the first opening formed at the first end of the bent shaft and the second opening formed at the second end of the bent shaft such that the cable is threaded through the interior of the bent shaft. The first end of the cable is configured to be coupled to an arm sleeve for holding a patient's arm, and the second end of the cable is configured to be coupled to a support structure that locks into a to fixed position.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing light therapy traction to a patient. A light therapy device and a traction mechanism provide concurrent, alternating and/or repetitive treatment to a patient. The light therapy device includes one or more light sources configured to deliver light to a patient. The traction mechanism is configured to provide selective separation to a particular location the patient's body, such as a location of the patient's vertebrae. In some embodiments, the light therapy and traction are performed simultaneously. In other embodiments, the light therapy and lumbar traction are performed in treatment cycles to the patient. Embodiments of the present invention embrace the application of light therapy prior to, during, and/or after a cervical and/or lumbar traction treatment.

Abstract: A hyperextension brace with a frame construction has adjustable upper and lower supports as well as adjustable side members. The frame comprises a sub-clavicula support and a pelvic and pubic support connected by side members. The height of the side members and the width of the sub-clavicula support and the pubic support are adjustable by using non-rotational telescopic and lockable connections. The sub-clavicula support may be connected by a turnbuckle screw arrangement to the side members. The frame may be made of composite material, suitably a polymer reinforced by glass fiber and/or carbon fiber. All adjustments may be made without requiring any tools.

Abstract: A traction bed having a planar table on which a patient may lie with the head disposed at one end and the feet disposed at the other end. A vibration platform is disposed on the planar table for imparting vibration motion to the patient. A pelvic belt is fitted on the patient and a first strap is connected to one side of the pelvic belt and a second strap is connected to the second side of the pelvic belt. Apparatus is included for selectively applying a tension force to the first and second straps in a direction toward the foot end of the table. Further, a chest harness is fitted on the patient and includes a pair of shoulder straps extending toward the head end of the table. Apparatus is provided for selectively applying a tension force to both shoulder straps toward the head end of the table.

Abstract: A method of using a neck brace to move a neck of a person or stabilize the neck includes connecting a vest of the neck brace to a torso of a person. A support member of the neck brace is connected to the vest. A chin support of the neck brace is connected to a chin of the person. Force is applied between the support member and the chin support to move the chin support relative to the support member. A cam member of the neck brace guides movement of the chin support relative to the support member.

Abstract: Systems, device and methods are described for maintaining concentric reduction of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint of a finger with few as two orthopedic pins, one inserted through the head of the proximal phalanx concentric with the axis of rotation of the joint (i.e., a transverse pin), and the other through the middle phalanx at a location between the PIP and distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint (a dorsal pin), and applying a force between the two pins. A surgical kit is described which may include such components as a dorsal pin, a transverse pin, a pin placement guide for use in reducing the joint fracture dislocation and then drilling holes for the pins or for inserting self-drilling pins, and a fixation device for coupling and applying a force between the dorsal and transverse pins. The components of the surgical kit are described, including various configurations of the fixation device.

Abstract: In order to improve a surgical DC power tool such that it can be operated, where applicable, under sterile conditions, in particular, using conventional DC voltage supplies, a surgical switch mode power supply for a surgical DC power tool is provided. The switch mode power supply includes a switch mode power supply circuit arrangement, a switch mode power supply housing and a circuit receptacle formed in the housing of the switch mode power supply for accommodating the circuit arrangement of the switch mode power supply. The housing of the switch mode power supply has a switch mode power supply interface which is designed in such a manner that it can be brought into engagement with and/or connected to an interface of the DC power tool provided for a mains-independent energy source. Furthermore, an improved surgical DC power tool having such a power supply is provided.

Abstract: A vertical rehabilitation appliance includes a horizontal frame, vertical frame, moving mechanism, head positioning structure, body positioning structure, and fastening belts. The vertical frame has two first posts coupled to the horizontal frame and formed with holes. The first posts are coupled to a second post. The second post and the horizontal frame are coupled to two third posts. Moving mechanisms are horizontally provided between the first posts and bilaterally provided with positioning devices for engagement with the holes of the first posts. The head positioning structure and the body positioning structure are provided on the moving mechanisms. The fastening belts are provided between the third posts to fix a rehabilitation patient's shoulders and lower limbs in position. Two back-positioned ends of the fastening belts have first connecting elements coupled to a second connecting element so as to pull the rehabilitation patient's back during spine rehabilitation therapy.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for achieving control and stabilization of bone fractures in mammals, most specifically humans. Stabilization and traction is often required to support fractured bones of the arms or legs. The devices and methods disclosed herein are especially useful in the emergency or military setting. The devices utilize a collapsible frame or inflatable member that may be expanded and locked into position. The frame or inflatable member is fabricated primarily from polymeric materials with low radiodensity. The limb contact regions are adjustable to fit a wide variety of limb sizes and fracture locations. The traction applied by the splint is adjustable, controllable and measurable. The traction splint is sufficiently compact that it will fit in a compartment of most ambulances and emergency rescue vehicles, thus making it more available for use than standard traction splints in use today. The traction splint is either a separate device or integrated into a backboard.

Abstract: In an embodiment, an orthopedic device in the form of a lumbar support includes first and second elongate belt members, an anatomically shaped plate, and a closure system connecting the belt members to the plate. The closure system is arranged to move the belt members relative to the plate, and connects to the belt members via a flexible belt attachment which removably secures to the belt members. The closure system includes tensioning elements corresponding to the belt members, and a pulley system connecting to the tensioning elements. The closure system is slidably mounted to the plate and arranged to the belt members relative to the plate between opposed linear directions. The plate has various contours which provide pressure distribution over a lumbar region of a back. Anatomically shaped and resiliently formed handles secure to the tensioning elements and the belt members.

Abstract: A special bed and apparatus, having a fixed section and a movable section, supports a person lying face up, and allows self to restrain two regions of self's body, one on the fixed section and another on the movable section, and further allows the person to self induce traction force between the restrained regions.

Abstract: Traction devices, systems, and methods for their use provide simultaneous axial distraction and one of flexion, extension, or lateral flexion of the spine. The devices permit aligning at least a portion of the spine prior to traction. Traction is applied through air chambers configured and dimensioned to independently apply traction to the chin, and both occipital processes. Spiral traction procedures use sequential inflation of the air chambers, thereby providing axial distraction with spinal joint decompression and simultaneous paraspinal soft-tissue mobilization and/or manipulation. Automated systems and methods are also provided.

Abstract: Spinal traction and restoration using application of forces in user-selectable distinct unitary directions by a rotatable pointable constrained inflator proximate a device base. The constrained inflator provides selectable, variable and pointable force to effect any of the following therapies: [1] Axial Traction; [2] Force to Upper Cervical Spine; [3] Force to Mid-Cervical Spine; [4] Force to Lower Cervical Spine; and [5] Traction Force Applied to Upper Thoracic Spine.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cervical traction mechanism having a weight seat used to provide the weight force required for cervical traction. A weight adjustor is used to preset a weight force required for cervical traction as a sign of alarming. A pulling brake unit includes a pulley assembly, stay cord and traction belt joint, with one end of said pulley assembly linked to the brake unit connection end of the weight seat. A cervical traction belt has one end linked to the traction belt joint of the pulling brake unit. An alarming portion is set onto a preset location of the weight seat. When the spring weight of the weight seat reaches the weight force set by the operator, a signal is sent by the alarming portion. The cervical traction mechanism improves safety and applicability and makes it possible to avoid misoperation and recurrent damage to the patients.

Abstract: Low-cost, light weight portable cervical traction or spinal decompression devices for home use by a patient. A carriage is slidable along a portion of a support structure parallel to a longitudinal axis. The carriage includes a restraining mechanism adapted to releasably restrain a portion of a patient's body to the carriage. The pneumatic traction force generating apparatus is operatively coupled to move the carriage relative to the support structure when in a pressurized state. The pneumatic traction force generating apparatus is adapted to maintain a generally static traction force during a treatment period when in the pressurized state without additional pressurized air being supplied. A hand pump operated by the patient is fluidly connected to the pneumatic traction force generating apparatus to inject pressurized air. A pressure relief mechanism operated by the patient is adapted to release pressure from the pneumatic traction force generating apparatus.

Abstract: A spinal treatment system for treating a spinal region of a patient's back includes a harness configured to be coupled to a preselected location on the patient. A force transfer member is coupled to the harness and is configured to transfer force to the harness. A vibrational movement head is controlled by a computer and is configured to apply a preselected laterally vibrating force to the force application member extending therefrom. A vertical displacement member is coupled to the computer and is configured to move the vibrational movement head to a preselected vertical displacement relative to the patient.

Abstract: The neck traction device elongated a user's neck with the application of force on the user's shoulders. One embodiment includes a head pad, a vertically movably head support frame, a pivotally connected linkage member coupled to a shoulder frame element. The shoulder frame and shoulder pads are longitudinally movably mounted and the linked system exerts a longitudinal force on the user's shoulders when the user's head rests on the head pad and depresses the head pad. A biasing mechanism either upwardly supports the head frame or longitudinally limits the extension of the shoulder frame such that when the head is lifted off the head frame, the biasing mechanism raises the head pad and moves back the shoulder frame and pads. Alternatively, a transmission may be used to convert the substantially downward force due to the head weight to a longitudinal force on the shoulder pads.

Abstract: A device 50 for supporting and positioning a part of a patient's body includes at least two joints 62, 64, 66 each having a locked state and an unlocked state and a release system for allowing an operator to select between the locked state and the unlocked state. The release system has an operator interface remote from the joints and at a location that enables the operator to support the weight of the body part while at least one of the joints is in the unlocked state.

Abstract: An arm support and positioning assembly is provided that includes a vertical member, an engagement member and a horizontal member having one end engaged with the vertical member through a ball joint assembly and the other end affixed with the engagement member through a wedge lock. The engagement member receives and retains a patient's arm support during the surgical or medical procedures. The vertical member is attached to the clamp support assembly affixed with the operating table. The ball joint assembly includes a first hinge plate, a second hinge plate, and a ball joint having an elongated ball neck on one end and a spherical ball on other end. The ball shape end allows the horizontal member to rotate at a varied angular position with respect to the vertical member thereby providing a greater degree of adjustability to the surgeon.

Abstract: An orthopedic device includes at least one torque band disposable around a users' body and having opposing ends extending outwardly from the users' body and generally transverse to a user's spine along with apparatus applying counteracting forces to the ends in order to torque the body to the corrective posture. In addition, a support table may be provided along with a cervical device disposed on the table drop leaf and a pelvis/leg/feet carrier slidably disposed on the table. A lumbar sacral unit is disposed on the table between the cervical device and the pelvis/leg/feet carrier and a movable thorax carrier may be disposed on the support table between the sacral unit and the cervical device.