Abstract: A spinal brace includes a flexible air injectable band configured to be disposed about a torso of a user and to provide traction to a spine of the user, at least one support panel configured to provide support by compression to at least a region of the torso, the at least one support panel being less flexible than the air injectable band, and at least one means of associating the at least one support panel with the flexible air injectable band.

Abstract: A therapeutic, tilting, split table, traction apparatus for home use manually operated by the user to relieve back pain and/or to stretch lumbar spine and exercise back muscles and provide mechanical traction with the user in supine position. The apparatus having a upper tilting frame ,one end being back and head support and opposing end being a rolling or sliding carriage, pivotally hinged on base frame with approximately 13 kilograms of upper body weight offset unto the back support to offset the effect of the 13 kilogram spring used to retract the rolling or sliding carriage and keep body weight balanced for ease of use. Lower body is anchored by pelvic or waist harness to the rolling or sliding carriage. As the user releases latch, the frame tilts and simultaneously pushes up a rod and roller assembly, which is hinged to under back support and under rolling carriage, along the 35 degree incline track thereby pushing carriage away from back support creating traction/distraction force.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention relate to orthotic apparatuses configured to apply a controllable, therapeutic force to a subject. In one embodiment of the invention, an orthotic apparatus includes a frame structure and an actuator system operable to provide input energy of a first type (e.g., fluid pumped by a pump or an applied voltage). At least one strap structure is attached to the frame structure and operably coupled to the actuator system. The at least one strap structure may be configured to convert at least a portion of the input energy to energy of a second type, the energy of the second type being strain energy. Additional embodiments are directed to inflatable structures and methods of operating the orthotic apparatuses and inflatable structures disclosed herein.

Abstract: A hip distractor includes a pair of distractor members and a support configured to be fastened to a surgical table. The support includes at least two mounts for coupling to a pair of joints that couple the distractor members to the support. Another hip distractor includes a pair of distractor assemblies that are configured to apply a distraction load to a patient. Each of the assemblies includes a joint for coupling the corresponding assembly to a surgical table. The joint permits vertical and horizontal angular adjustment of the corresponding assembly. A method of distracting a hip includes coupling a patient's legs to a pair of distractor assemblies and simultaneously adjusting a vertical angle and a horizontal angle of at least one of the distractor assemblies.

Abstract: An orthotic frame has proximal and distal frame members joined by a knee joint, and a foot support joined by an ankle joint to a distal end of the distal frame. A knee actuator connected between the proximal and distal frame members has a selective stiffness allowing selection of a relatively rigid stiffness during stance and a relatively flexible stiffness during swing. The stiffness of the knee actuator is selected according to the gait cycle, either mechanically according to dorsal flexion of the ankle joint or electronically according to gait cycle phases recognized based on read sensor data. An ambulatory unit gathers data from sensors located on the orthotic frame. Sensor data may be provided to a base unit for diagnostic and biomechanical evaluation, or evaluated by the ambulatory unit to control active components of the orthotic frame according to the recognized gait cycle phases for functional compensation.

Abstract: A mechanical restraining system for use in situations where it is desirable to restrain a detainee, such as a prisoner, psychiatric patient or accused criminal defendant, while minimizing the ability of the public or certain courtroom participants to readily observe that the detainee has been placed in or is being held by some type of restraining device.

Abstract: A hip distractor includes a pair of distractor members and a support configured to be fastened to a surgical table. The support includes at least two mounts for coupling to a pair of joints that couple the distractor members to the support. Another hip distractor includes a pair of distractor assemblies that are configured to apply a distraction load to a patient. Each of the assemblies includes a joint for coupling the corresponding assembly to a surgical table. The joint permits vertical and horizontal angular adjustment of the corresponding assembly. A method of distracting a hip includes coupling a patient's legs to a pair of distractor assemblies and simultaneously adjusting a vertical angle and a horizontal angle of at least one of the distractor assemblies.

Abstract: A removable chair supported traction system for use with a chair. The system can include a traction device, a removable fabric chair cover, and a pouch. The traction device can include a traction head, a traction body, and a centralizer. The traction body can be insertable into the pouch. A customizable removable chair supported traction system that can include a customizable traction device. The customizable traction device can include a shearable traction head and body and dimensional indicators.

Abstract: A hip traction device and associated methods is 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, a tensioner coupled to the base and configured to provide a force to the carrier 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 being removably attached to the carrier and being configured to securely attach to a lower portion of a leg when the body coupling mechanism is detached from the carrier.

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: A force applied to the foot of a patient causes the foot to rotate inwardly. After measuring the rotational displacement of the foot inwardly as the function of the applied force, the force is removed and the displacement of the foot is measured again. Next, a force is applied to the foot of the patient that causes the foot to rotate outwardly. After measuring the rotational displacement of the foot outwardly as a function of the applied force, the force is removed and the displacement of the foot is measured again. The displacements versus applied forces are plotted on a Cartesian coordinate system to produce a hysteresis curve. The data obtained and the hysteresis curve produced therefrom provides a quantitative measure of the motion quality and motion quantity of the foot and its corresponding ankle and is subject to detailed analytic and medical analysis.

Abstract: A sleep-aiding device for restricting stretching of a wearer's legs to full extension to reduce leg muscle cramping during sleep includes an adjustable belt worn about a wearer's waist during sleep, with leg members extending between the belt at the wearer's waist and attachment at lower portions of the wearer's legs, generally below the wearer's knees, e.g. in a particular implementation by engagement of the wearer's feet through end loops positioned midway between the toes and ankle. The leg members have predetermined lengths between the belt and attachment at the lower portions of the wearer's legs that are adjustably selected to restrict stretching of the wearer's legs to full extension during sleep.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lumbar traction device that can alleviate lower back pain. The device comprises 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 surgical tool holder that includes a holding member with a clamping jaw, which is movable between open and clamping positions. A gripping member is configured to supportingly grip a surgical tool and is selectively placed in a rotatable or fixed association with the holding member. Engagement portions of the holding member and gripping member are engagable to block rotation therebetween to obtain the fixed association.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for treatment, in particular physiotherapeutic treatment, of a part of the human body, in particular an arm, comprising a holder for fixing the body part to be treated, comprising a traction element, which acts on the body part with a predeterminable tension. The tension is applied by one or more weights acting on the traction element via a tension transmitter, it being possible for the tensile force acting on the body part to be varied or stopped at the beginning, during and/or at the end of the treatment by a counteracting force applied by a motor.

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 harness for stretching the penis, includes a belt for encircling the waist of the user, with a fastening mechanism secured to a rear part of the belt. A first tractive means applies tractive forces at the base of the penis of a user of the harness, and is secured to the belt via the fastening mechanism. A second tractive means applies tractive forces at the edge of the head of the penis of a user of the harness, and is also secured to the belt via the fastening mechanism. The first tractive means and the second tractive means apply a stretching force to the penis of the user of the harness.

Abstract: A user or assistant operated device for elevation and forward thrusting of the jaw for mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea is disclosed. The device includes a base configured to contact a torso of a wearer, a chin support configured to contact a jaw of the wearer, and a jack extending between the base and the chin support. In this regard, the jack is length adjustable and configured to elevate the chin support relative to the base such that the jaw is thrust forward relative to the torso.

Abstract: Described is a method of providing headache and migraine relief by applying traction to the cervical spine of a human subject. The human subject may be placed in a supine or prone position with an attachment means positioned around the skull region of the human subject. The attachment means is coupled to a traction means, which provides traction forces for stretching the cervical spine and providing relief from headache and migraine pain associated with cervical compression. Various treatment regimes are possible depending on the patient size and symptoms.

Abstract: An orthopedic traction tower system, and components thereof, for use in surgery, fracture repair, and/or radiography. The traction tower system may include a base for receiving the proximal end of a patient's limb, a tower arm for applying tractive forces to a distal end of a patient's limb, and a joint that movably connects the base and the tower arm such that the tower arm can be positioned for surgical access and/or for applying different types of traction, among others.

Abstract: Nerve treatment/mobilization apparatuses are configured to mobilize a user's peripheral nervous system. The nerve treatment apparatus includes a back support, a pair of force applying members and a neck cradle. Additional optional attachments include upper body nerve mobilization tracks and a lower peripheral nerve mobilization device.

Abstract: A device for correcting bowleg includes a pair of knee holders for rotating together with knees while holding the knees, a rotational driving unit for repeatedly driving the knee holders forward and backward in directions of rotating the knees outward and inward, respectively, and a controller having a memory storing rotation conditions of the knee holders. The controller controls the rotational driving unit according to the rotation conditions stored in the memory. A device for correcting bowleg includes a pair of foot supports for receiving and supporting feet, the foot supports capable of performing forward and backward rotations in directions of rotating the feet outward and inward, respectively, and a third resisting means for resisting against the forward rotation of the foot supports.

Abstract: In various embodiments of the invention, an electro-vacuum pump can be used either as a stand alone unit to create, monitor and control a vacuum or to maintain, assist or as a back up for a hand operated pump in a variety of surgical procedures. The vacuum pump is controlled by a processor and is automatically activated when the vacuum is below a pre-selected parameter or a parameter selected on the fly by the surgeon. Visual or audio feedback is used to allow the surgeon increased control of the vacuum device while carrying out the surgical procedure.

Abstract: A head support system that has a fixation arc system that is adjustable both vertically and horizontally and is mounted to a patient support structure. The fixation arc system is positionable adjacent to, and provides lateral support for, the patient's head. A pin support is connected to, and extends from the fixation arc system. A pin is adjustably mounted to the pin support and contacts the patient's head to provide a lateral fixation thereof. The pin has a centerline that is rotatable about two axes of motion substantially perpendicular to the pin centerline.

Abstract: Head Suspension Device Vertebral Decompression Method with a Teeth Guard allows a user to raise their legs off the ground in upright vertical position using a teeth guard and grasping a head support frame with both hands. The frame comprises a head back pillow, a chin support and attachment means. After the frame is suspended from an overhead support, the user puts a teeth guard into the mouth to protect the teeth, settles his/her head inside the frame resting the back of their head on the head back pillow and their chin on the chin support, grasps the frame with both hands to protect the neck and gradually raises their legs off the ground thus suspending themselves by head from the frame. In this position the force of the whole body gravitational weight effectively and safely decompresses all the parts of spinal column thus relieving back pain.

Abstract: A modality system that computes a signal having a first tension level, a second tension level, and transition tension levels between the first and second tension level, where the higher of the first and second tension levels includes an oscillation. The system communicates the signal to an electromechanical actuator to apply a modality treatment to a patient.

Abstract: A cervical traction/stretch system includes a traction/stretch mechanism for applying tension between a body's head and shoulders, the traction/stretch mechanism including a bellows; a pump operatively coupled with the traction/stretch mechanism for alternately inflating and deflating the bellows; and an at least semi-automatic controller operatively coupled with the pump for at least semi-automatically controlling the pump by activating and deactivating the same in such manner as to alternately and repeatably inflate and deflate the bellows to prescribed pressure levels over prescribed pressure intervals.

Abstract: The portable resetting device (100) has a portable pedestal (126) with telescoping sections (172/170). An underarm support (102) of adjustable height is mounted to a lower support (114) that is mounted to the pedestal (126). A traction structure (112) for transmitting forces to an injured arm is mounted to the lower support (114). A computer controllable motor (124) is operatively connected between the lower support (114) and the pedestal (108) so that an angle of tilt (116) may be placed thereon. An arm-holding plate (136) is attached to the lower support (114) and moves in a longitudinal direction by means of another computer controllable motor (118) operatively connected therebetween. An auxiliary arm support (122) is operatively connected by a computer controllable motor (120) on the lower support (114) and provides an additional force to the humerus head. A computer (302) controls the resetting device (100) and may communicate to a support computer (210) for treatment advice.

Abstract: A traction force control method for a traction apparatus according to the present invention that impresses a desired traction force on an object to be hauled via a traction mechanism is provided. The method includes measuring, in a zero traction state in which an impressed traction force that is impressed on the object to be hauled is zero, the impressed traction force with a traction force sensor and outputting a zero traction value.

Abstract: System, including method and apparatus, for applying traction to a patient's limb using constant-force springs. The constant-force springs may include one or more main springs that apply a base tractive force and at least one supplementary spring that can apply a supplementary tractive force to the limb. The at least one supplementary spring may be changeable reversibly between uncoupled and coupled configurations while the base tractive force is applied continuously to the limb and without repositioning the limb, thereby providing discrete adjustment of traction force while the limb remains in traction.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a device and method for providing a lateralization effect such as in a medical procedure. The lateralization device can have a supporting member, which can be adapted to be supported in a fixed position. A lateralization member can be provided to at least partially wrap around the supporting member and be mounted thereto to provide a lateralization effect. The lateralization member can be formed and/or adjusted to provide a variable lateralization. For example, the lateralization member can comprise a cylindrical member with an eccentric cut-out portion adapted to fit over the supporting member. The inter wall of the cut-out portion and the outer wall of the supporting member can be formed with interference fittings so that the lateralization member can rotate in relation to the supporting member to provide a variable lateralization.

Abstract: A traction table (200) include a frame having a base-frame portion (202) rotabably coupled to a top-frame portion (250) at a pivot point 214, a seat back portion (208) coupled to the top frame portion, and a seat-bottom (204) slidably coupled to the frame top portion. The seat-bottom can rotate about a pivot point (262) and tilt about at least one axis (260 and/or 264). The seat-bottom can further slide forwards or backwards relative to the top frame portion. The traction table can include an optional neck piece (210) coupled to the top frame portion that can move parallel relative to the seat back portion and constructed to rotate, tilt side to side or forward and backward. The traction table can include at least one actuator motor (245 or 244) for moving the seat-bottom or neck piece relative to the top-frame portion and a controller (212) for controlling such actuator(s).

Abstract: In one embodiment, a spinal orthosis includes a shoulder unit comprising a left shoulder portion and a right shoulder portion, a retracting device, a first connector connected to the left shoulder portion at a first end of the first connector and connected to the retracting device at a second end of the first connector, a second connector connected to the right shoulder portion at a first end of the second connector and connected to the retracting device at a second end of the second connector, and a lumbosacral belt attached to the retracting device, the lumbosacral belt being able to be secured to a body.

Abstract: A traction extension table used to aid the user in performing assisted lower back and abdominal extensions for the treatment of bulging/herniated lumbar discs. The table has a frame constructed utilizing a plurality of cushioned sections forming the table's top with one movable along a roller assembly mating with the table frame for section relocation and releasable securement upon relocation. Another is contoured to have table frame supported hand-placement supports at the head. The contoured cushion is hingedly attached to the table frame and also connected to at least one shock absorber. To better accommodate the user, the pads have lumbar and chest harnesses to keep the user in position while performing an exercise while the chest pad has a face hole to accommodate the user's nose while lying face down on the table.

Abstract: A femur traction device includes a brace adapted to be secured to a patient's leg, with one end secured above a break in the leg and a hitch end extending below the foot and providing a hitch for a tensioning harness. The tensioning harness is secured between the hitch and the patient's ankle, and straps of the harness may be lengthened or shortened to increase or decrease tension on the leg. The tensioning harness advantageously does not rely on hook-and-loop type fastening means, is color coded to facilitate proper use, and stores in a pouch that forms part of and is secured to the remainder of the tensioning harness.

Abstract: A cervical traction method and apparatus for treating irregularities in the lateral curvature of the cervical region of the spine involves the application of traction load to induce an axially elongated or extension posture in the cervical region of the patient's spine. The patient is placed in a supine or seated position, and a traction halter is fitted about the head of the patient, with a traction sling also being optionally positioned about the cervical region of the patient. A traction load, which may have an intermittently varying magnitude, is exerted on one or more of the sling or halter to induce an axially elongated and/or extension posture in the cervical region.

Abstract: A traction method and apparatus for treating irregularities in the lateral curvature and global posture of the thoraco-lumbar, lumbar, lumbo-pelvic and/or pelvic region of the spine involving the application of an intermittent transverse traction load to a region of the patient's body. The patient is placed in a supine or semi-supine position, and a traction sling is positioned about a region of the body of the patient, where the region of the body can be the thoracic region, lumbar region and pelvic region of the body. A transverse traction load having an intermittently varying magnitude is exerted on the sling to induce an extension posture in at least a portion of the spine of the patient and/or a flexion posture of the pelvic portion of the spine of the patient.

Abstract: A portable traction therapy device including a traction spring, a belt, and a traction control unit. The traction control unit interconnects the spring and the belt, and includes a locking mechanism and a switch assembly. The locking mechanism selectively locks and releases the belt relative to a housing of the control unit, with the switch assembly operating to dictate a state of the locking mechanism.

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: In the traction apparatus, a control circuit has the following traction control process portions. First, a first traction control process portion winds up the slack portion of a wire by a motor to eliminate the slack of the wire connected to a body to be pulled. Next, a second traction control process portion converts a set traction force that is set by an operation portion to a traction amount to calculate a converted value and, by defining a predetermined amount of a traction amount set based on the converted value as an initial target value, continuously winds up the wire by the motor to that target value. Next, a third traction control process portion detects the traction force that is being applied to the body to be pulled by a load cell, calculates a drive stop time of the motor by defining the set traction force as a final target value on the basis of a detected output of the load cell and drives the drive mechanism, and stops the driving of the motor at a point of reaching the drive stop time.

Abstract: A traction force is applied at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the patient's spine and progressively increased over a period of time. A fulcrum member is applied against the posterior portion of the cervical region of a person's spine while the traction force pulls the cervical region and bends it rearwardly about the fulcrum member to stretch the soft tissues of the spine. In preferred embodiments the fulcrum member applies a progressively increasing fulcrum force, and the traction force likewise progressively increases during the treatment period. An electronic control system may be used to automatically control application of the fulcrum and traction forces.

Abstract: The pneumatic lumbar traction device comprises two separable parts, namely an upper hollow part and a lower frame, the frame having a pneumatically operated piston and cylinder mechanism fixed in and located centrally therein with a piston rod extending outwardly to engage a bar positioned to engage and move a loop fixed to a pelvic traction belt outwardly of a foot end of the device; the upper hollow part having an upper surface on which a user will lie during use; a generally elongate chest belt having opposite end portions with a strap fixed on each end portion with a first clip on said strap and a mating second clip fixed on the opposite end portion, each strap, after said mating clips are fixed together, being capable of being pulled through said first clip to tighten it on the first clip against said fixed mating second clip thereby to tighten the chest belt around a users chest; two, spaced apart, elongate strips of hook or loop material fixed to a central area of the upper surface for engaging with an

Abstract: A sleep-aiding device for restricting stretching of a wearer's legs to full extension to reduce leg muscle cramping during sleep includes an adjustable belt worn about a wearer's waist during sleep, with leg members extending between the belt at the wearer's waist and attachment at lower portions of the wearer's legs, generally below the wearer's knees, e.g. in a preferred embodiment by engagement of the wearer's feet through end loops positioned midway between the toes and ankle. The leg members have predetermined lengths between the belt and attachment at the lower portions of the wearer's legs that are adjustably selected to restrict stretching of the wearer's legs to full extension during sleep.

Abstract: A traction device for use in surgery is disclosed with the traction device being secured to one side of a surgical table. The traction device includes one or more traction lines which include a line-tensioning device at one end thereof and a connector at the other end thereof for attachment to the limb of a patient undergoing surgery. A tension meter is associated with each of the traction or lines with the tension meter being connected to a readout which indicates the tension or traction force being imposed in the traction line. The traction device may be used for patients undergoing shoulder surgery or other types of limb surgery.

Abstract: The traction device using a winch employs an array of components including winches, pulleys and elastic bands mounted on an upright frame. The arrangement of the components allows the device to be utilized for traction without the use of cumbersome weights. The upright frame is configured to ensure stability. The components, including scales and cables, are mounted on the frame.

Abstract: The cervical traction/stretch device kit comprises a cervical traction/stretch device including an expandable bellows section which is made of non-elastic and non-stretchable material. The device further includes a shoulder section which can be fixed to or made integral with the bellows section. At least two, preferably three, interchangeable head sections are provided so that substantially all human head sizes can be supported by the device. Also provided is a head frame section which is releasably assembled with one of the head sections, the bellows section and the shoulder section to provide a cervical traction/stretch device. The bellows section, the shoulder section and the head section have aligned U-shaped openings therein adapted to receive and support a patient's neck.

Abstract: A brace and traction device and associated methods of operation. In one embodiment, the device incorporates a forwardly open head and jaw brace which is adjustably supported vertically above a forwardly collar member. The brace and the collar member are adapted such that the brace is able to mate with the collar member while still being able to rotate to the subject's left and right while remaining planar to the collar member. Adjustment may be accomplished for example manually or via an electronic motor controlled by a control mechanism and microprocessor. The microprocessor may be adapted to store information regarding a user's sessions, and facilitate communication with patient and physician personal devices, thus sending these data from recorded sessions. The processor element may also be adapted to implement therapy sessions based on physician-entered program specifications, or based on pre-programmed specifications.

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. The hand pump is capable of injecting at least 138 kPa (20 psi) of pressure into the pneumatic traction force generating apparatus.

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.