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 that may be expanded and locked into position. The frame 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 of the current invention 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: An externally mounted fixation device for craniomaxillofacial distraction osteogenesis, the device having a helmet to secure the device in a relatively rigid and immobile manner to the head of a patient, support structure to receive distraction components in fixed or adjustable spatial location relative to the patient's head, and distraction components to apply traction to the bones of the patient to be distracted.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an ambulatory cyclic traction device includes two support belts configured to be positioned about a user's body and one or more lifting mechanisms coupled between the support belts, the one or more lifting mechanisms adapted to apply a decompressive force to a portion of the user's body between the support belts. A control system is operable to automatically cause the one or more lifting mechanisms to cyclically apply the decompressive force to the portion of the user's body through the support belts when the support belts are positioned about the user's body, such that the decompressive force is applied for a predetermined time interval during each of a series of traction cycles.

Abstract: A portable lumbar traction device wherein a variable tension system allows the user to manually manipulate a level of tension using a ratcheting device while undergoing a traction procedure. The invention easily and quickly anchors to a door frame and includes one or more springs to create tension in the device. A belt or harness worn by the user couples to a cable or tether in tension with the spring, and the ratcheting device incrementally increases the tension when actuated by the user until the desired tension level is achieved.

Abstract: A cervical traction device includes a base, a cervical force application member, and a motor operably attached to the cervical force application member. The motor preferably drives the cervical application member through a direct drive system in order to provide a force to a person's cervical vertebra. The cervical traction device may also include a linear actuator for elevating the person's head to direct the force applied to the cervical vertebra. When integrated on a vertebral distraction machine, the cervical traction device includes its own motor for applying force to the cervical vertebra.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method is provided for adjusting the length of a belt having right and left front portions and a back portion, the right and left front portions of the belt each moveable with respect to the back portion of the belt. Opposite ends of a strap are attached to the right and left front portions of the belt. The strap includes a middle section including opposing portions detachably coupled to one another. The strap is coupled to the back portion of the belt between the opposite ends of the strap such that movement of the right and left front portions of the belt away from the back portion of the belt causes detachment of the opposing portions of the middle section of the strap from one another.

Abstract: A tool for making gentle repetitive movements to the joints between a person's sacrum and ilium which allow for proper pelvic alignment when one or both have become irritated, inflamed, or malaligned, and causes significant pain. Use of the tool generates a lateral and caudal directed force on an affected ilium thereby mobilizing it back into its normal position. The tool also may be used to realign the pubic synthesis.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining an adjusted traction force for the patient. The first body supporting portion is positioned in a non-horizontal configuration. A compensating force related to a weight of the first body supporting portion, a weight of an applicable portion of a patient's body, and an angle between the first body supporting portion and a horizontal plane is determined. The compensating force is applied to a desired traction force to determine the adjusted traction force. The adjusted traction force is applied to the patient by moving the first body supporting portion relative to the second body supporting portion along the longitudinal axis to affect the distance between the first body supporting portion and the second body supporting portion.

Abstract: This invention relates to hydrotherapy where a patient is placed in traction while immersed in a heated hydrotherapy pool. More specifically, a process and apparatus for hydrotherapy traction is disclosed in which the patient is placed in a horizontal supine position, and gradually moved to and from a position of immersed hydrotherapy traction in the heated hydrotherapy pool.

Abstract: A lumbar support brace which is designed to create a tightening effect to push the abdominal contents and abdomen toward the spinal column and as a result creates and increases the hydraulic pressure inside the abdomen and pushes the tissues against the spinal column and straightens the spinal column. In addition, a U-shaped member supports the spine on either side and is connected to a pelvic support member so that the abdomen, spine and pelvis are concurrently supported. The key feature of the present invention is that the support is a dynamic support which enables the wearer to engage in vigorously physical activity.

Abstract: An inflatable suspension harness/body jacket and method of use in medical partial weight-bearing therapy. The suspension harness/body jacket is fit onto a patient and has bladders that are inflated sufficiently to achieve a tight conforming fit. Deflating and re-inflating the bladders where necessary to re-achieve the tight conforming fit allows for successful weight-bearing therapy without discontinuing the therapy for an extended period or removing the patient. The suspension harness/body jacket has shoulder straps and jacket portions that may pass through D-rings that, when attached to a frame or other apparatus, provide additional offloading capacity.

Abstract: An exercise device for improving head, neck, and spinal alignment preferably includes a bracket having a pair of spaced apart pulleys and a U-shaped base which is adapted to fit over a door, a rope having at least one hand grip attached to one end and a coupler attached to the other end, and a head harness having at least one coupler for mating with the coupler on the rope. The apparatus is used by coupling the bracket to a door, attaching the harness to the user's head and coupling the rope to the harness. From either a standing or sitting position, the user pulls on the hand grip(s) to effect a lifting of the harness. According to the presently preferred embodiment, the location of the pulleys is adjustable to suit the user and the harness is provided with both front and rear couplers.

Abstract: A patient with a dislocated hip lies on a planar pad having side rails along which slides a frame having upright members on each side of the pad and a horizontal member connecting the top of the upright members. A first winch mounted on an upright member controls cables connected to a mid-portion of a leg sleeve on the patient to lift the patient's leg. A second winch mounted on the same upright member controls cables connected to a top portion of the leg sleeve to pull the patient's hip outwardly to a normal position in the hip socket.

Abstract: A medical device for overcoming airway obstruction featuring a flat rectangular support base with a support frame attached by a pivoting means. A T-band, so named for its shape and the positioning of its three straps, attaches to the support frame when the T-band is placed around the chin of a patient when the support base and support frame are perpendicular. Additionally, an adhesive layer is placed at the junction of the straps of the T-band, the layer configured for contact with a patient's chin.

Abstract: The present invention provides an adjustable support that may be telescopically extendable, coarsely and finely adjustable, and providing a mechanical advantage while being readily transportable. The adjustable support may have two to three telescoping members that nest inside one another when not is use, and may be triangular, rectangular, or circular in cross section. The adjustable support may be used as a traction splint, a walking stick, ski pole, or a crutch.

Abstract: A walker particularly suitable for rehabilitation of a patient's legs includes a base provided with casters, a pair of handlebars, and a suspension frame for holding a safety belt. A leg separator is height-adjustably connected to the base to locate between and separate apart the patient's two legs, so that a cerebral palsied patient may bear inner sides of two legs against two lateral sides of the leg separator during practicing walking. Direction control members adapted to limit the casters to rotate forward and backward only are provided on the base to effectively enable the cerebral palsied patient to practice walking straightly forward.

Abstract: A portable traction device suitable for cervical traction powered by a pneumatic cylinder. The portable traction device includes a support structure having a longitudinal axis and a carriage slidable along a portion of the support structure parallel to the longitudinal axis. The carriage including restraining mechanism for releasably restraining a portion of a patient's body to the carriage. A pneumatic cylinder includes a cylinder housing attached to the support structure. The cylinder housing contains a piston and piston rod. The piston rod is attached to the carriage for moving the carriage along the longitudinal axis relative to the support structure when pressurized air is injected into the pneumatic cylinder. The piston has at least one pressure activated seal extending circumferentially around the piston for engagement with an inside surface of the cylinder housing. A bicycle-style hand pump fluidly connected to the pneumatic cylinder is provided for injecting pressurized air into the cylinder.

Abstract: An orthopedic traction apparatus includes in coaxial arrangement, a first tubular member anchored to a operating table or other stationary structure supporting a patient, and a second tubular member telescopically moving within the first one. A hand-crank and jack-screw mechanism is used to vary the position of the second member in relation to the first member. A tensiometer is provided at the distal end of the second member proximate a fixture adapted for attachment to a part of a patient's body. The tensiometer is based on a compressible, calibrated coil spring and is provided with a vernier scale for convenient and precise adjustment of the traction force. Alternately, the tensiometer uses a load-cell driving a digital read-out.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatuses and methods for supporting a human body during intimate activities. The apparatuses include a base connected to an adjustable frame and one or more support surfaces for at least partially supporting the human body. The frame includes a main rail connectable to one or more rails arranged to bear weight of the support surfaces and constructed to displace the support surfaces to selected positions.

Abstract: An external fixation device is provided to relieve pressure from the lower leg by elevating it above a support surface. The device includes a frame, a supporting member and transfixation wires that are inserted into a lower leg bone and at least one foot bone. The transfixation wires are adjustably connected to the support member which in turn is adjustably connected to the frame. The device can be adjusted for position, height, and also for limited movement of the foot.

Abstract: The present invention is for a controlled therapeutic traction device utilizing a warmed hypertonic solution or other fluid of sufficient specific gravity to float the patient in a relaxing, relatively weightless environment. Traction is applied to a portion of the patient's body using various means to apply tension to that portion of the body, while the remainder of the patient's body continues to be suspended in the fluid.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device to stretch the spinal and thoracic muscles of a patient composed of a table (100) with substantially horizontal reception surface on which to rest a patient's hips and shoulders, immobilizing means applied to the back of the patient's lower limbs and preventing them from moving, a stretching means being able to slide, be immobilized in position and/or exert an effort consisting in distancing the patient's hands from the joining of thighs and hips through a winch or a motor reeling cables (7 and 8) linked to the ends of the support. A second winch adjust the tension of the cable of the knees (9). A rolling headrest on the support enables to stretch the neck muscles when the handle (15) clamps the brake (16) which blocks the rule (17) linking it to the carriage (4). The system assembly provides what may be called cybernetic stretching of the spine whereof the force is selected by the user at all times on the basis of the reaction of his muscles.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for stretching a human body in a substantially horizontal attitude. The apparatus places the body under a predetermined tensile load, uniformly distributed over the length of the body. The apparatus applies the loading force gradually in order avoid shock loads on the body. The apparatus may be operated easily and safely by the user, without assistance from another person.

Abstract: An exercise with traction device comprising a frame holding a seat above the floor that has a resistance loaded backrest for the purpose of rehabilitating atrophied spinal support muscle through progressive resistance exercise while the spine is under pain alleviating traction. The backrest is resistance loaded for both traction, and extension resistance or flexion resistance. This makes needed exercise for those who are hindered from such therapy by spinal compressive related pain. The exercise resistance is transmitted to the patient via a horizontal axis backrest, and can be weighted either positively for back resistance, or negatively for abdominal resistance, at the same time traction is applied from the backrest suspension system applying resistance to the user attached to it in the direction that decompresses the spine.

Abstract: An traction apparatus for use in manipulating a patient's arm and wrist bones comprises a traction assembly having a plurality of finger traps, a plurality of springs with each spring capable of releasably associating with at least one trap, and a swivel base secured to each of the springs. Also, included are a traction force scale coupled to the traction assembly, a first traction force generating mechanism linked to the traction force scale, a second traction force generating mechanism coupled to the patient's upper arm, and a support attachment system for securing the subject apparatus components to a support. Additionally, a spacer for separating and positioning the patient's fingers is included.

Abstract: A portable extremity support rack that offers a quick, easy, accessible and effective way to apply the standard RICE principle for post traumatic injury management. The extremity support rack collapses into a portable carrying case so it can be easily stored when not in use or quickly transported to different settings where injury management may take place. An upper surface and a lower surface in the extremity support rack are adjustably elevated and positioned to comfortably fit injured limbs of any shape and size.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for compression of the neck spine for medical imaging purposes, in particular for diagnostic purposes at complementary examination using computed tomography or magnetic resonance tomography, whereby the device comprises a waist arrangement to be placed around and in firm contact with the upper body of a patient, a helmet arrangement to be placed around and in firm contact with the head of the patient, strings connecting said waist arrangement and said helmet arrangement, which strings can be strained independently of each other and comprise each a tension meter to monitor the force by which the strings are stretched.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a traction device for applying a caudal force to the shoulders of a patient who is in the supine position on an examination table. The device causes the patient's shoulders to be drawn downward to allow accurate lateral radiographs of the complete cervical spine. The device comprises two shoulder pads, a tension strap assembly, and a rigid traction applicator, the tension straps extending over the foot end of the examination table and the traction applicator depending therefrom. The tension strap assembly extends between and connects the shoulder pads and the traction applicator. The shoulder pads are positioned over the acromioclavicular joints of the patient's shoulders.

Abstract: The present invention provides a splint that may be telescopically extendable, coarsely and finely adjustable, and providing a mechanical advantage while being readily transportable. The splint may have two to three telescoping members that nest inside one another when not in use, and may be triangular, rectangular, or circular in cross section. The present invention also provides a single member adjustable splint.

Abstract: A limb-positioning device is adapted for use in an operating room and is attachable to an operating room table. The limb-positioning device includes a full motion arm, a patient-receiving surgical device and a tension controller. The full motion arm has a plurality of pivotally connected arms with a plurality of joints therebetween. One end of the full motion arm is adapted to be attached to an operating room table. The patient-receiving surgical device is attached to a block joint at the distal end of the full motion arm. There is a tension controller for each joint. Preferably the tension controller concurrently controls the tension in each joint. The patient-receiving surgical device may be a forearm tray, a lower leg tray, a distraction harness or a Chinese finger trap assembly. There is provided a method of using the limb-positioning device. In addition, a patient-receiving surgical device includes a patient-receiving portion and a bar attached thereto.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an ambulatory traction device includes a first support configured to be positioned on a user's body and a second support configured to be positioned on the user's body spaced apart from the first support such that a portion of the user's body is positioned between the first and second supports. The traction device also includes one or more lifting mechanisms that each couple the supports and apply a decompressive force to the portion of the user's body when the supports are positioned on the user's body. Each lifting mechanism includes a sleeve having a non-circular cross-section and operable to contain a fluid. Each lifting mechanism also includes a piston configured to move within the sleeve in response to an increase in pressure within the sleeve.

Abstract: A portable traction device suitable for cervical traction powered by a pneumatic cylinder. The portable traction device includes a support structure having a longitudinal axis and a carriage slidable along a portion of the support structure parallel to the longitudinal axis. The carriage including restraining mechanism for releasably restraining a portion of a patient's body to the carriage. A pneumatic cylinder includes a cylinder housing attached to the support structure. The cylinder housing contains a piston and piston rod. The piston rod is attached to the carriage for moving the carriage along the longitudinal axis relative to the support structure when pressurized air is injected into the pneumatic cylinder. The piston has at least one pressure activated seal extending circumferentially around the piston for engagement with an inside surface of the cylinder housing. A bicycle-style hand pump fluidly connected to the pneumatic cylinder is provided for injecting pressurized air into the cylinder.

Abstract: A portable extremity support rack that offers a quick, easy, accessible and effective way to apply the standard RICE principle for post traumatic injury management. The extremity support rack collapses into a portable carrying case so it can be easily stored when not in use or quickly transported to different settings where injury management may take place. An upper surface and a lower surface in the extremity support rack are adjustably elevated and positioned to comfortably fit injured limbs of any shape and size.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a fastening mechanism is provided for a field adjustable traction device having first and second supports coupled using one or more lifting mechanisms. A set of one or more posts are configured to be inserted through a set of one or more holes formed in a back strap of a support and also through a selected one of a number of sets of one or more holes formed in a front strap of the support to position the front strap relative to the back strap. A mechanism is configured to engage the set of one or more posts to secure the front strap in position relative to the back strap.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a traction device for applying a caudal force to the shoulders of a patient who is in the supine position on an examination table. The device causes the patient's shoulders to be drawn downward to allow accurate lateral radiographs of the complete cervical spine. The device comprises two shoulder pads, a tension strap assembly, and a rigid traction applicator, the tension straps extending over the foot end of the examination table and the traction applicator depending therefrom. The tension strap assembly extends between and connects the shoulder pads and the traction applicator. The shoulder pads are positioned over the acromioclavicular joints of the patient's shoulders.

Abstract: A torso support portion and a pair of thigh support portions are each formed of an outer layer of hard relatively stiff molded plastic material of limited flexibility and an inner layer of relatively soft cushioning material for distributing the weight of a patient over a large area. Three tightening straps serve to tighten the torso support portion about a patient with the parts of the torso support portion adjacent the free sides thereof overlapping one another in operative position. A pair of tightening straps serve to tighten each of the thigh support portions about the thighs of a patient with the free sides of each thigh support portion spaced a substantial distance from one another in operative position. Four adjustable suspension straps are provided for suspending the torso support portion and provide a quick-release feature. Each of the thigh support portions is connected to the torso support portion in depending relationship therefrom by three adjustable connecting straps.

Abstract: A traction belt, including a first elongated portion, a second elongated portion oriented generally parallel to the first elongated portion and connected thereto, a first plurality of biasing members operationally connected to the first elongated portion, and a second plurality of biasing members operationally connected to the second elongated portion. Each biasing member is oriented generally perpendicular to a respective elongated portion. Each biasing member is adapted to provide a biasing force through a respective elongated portion.

Abstract: An ambulatory support device includes two support belts configured to be positioned around a user's body. At least one of the support belts includes a canting mechanism that couples opposing right and left portions of the support belt. The canting mechanism allows the opposing right and left portions to rotate about associated pivots to allow the support belt to conform to the user's body and synchronizes the movement of the opposing right and left portions of the support belt such that movement of the right or left portion causes and requires movement of the opposing left or right portion, respectively, of a substantially equivalent magnitude. The traction device also includes one or more supports. Each support is coupled between the support belts and provides stability to the user's body.

Abstract: A traction device for use on a support surface which includes a body contacting assembly which releasably contacts the a suitable anatomical region of the patient, a gas spring and associated assembly, the gas spring variable between an extended rest position and a contracted force exerting position, and means of relieving traction force exerted by the gas spring and associated assembly.

Abstract: A traction force applying apparatus includes a frame that has a first support bar, a second support bar and a third support bar. The second support bar is fixedly connected to the first support bar adjacent to a first end thereof. The third support bar is fixedly connected to the first support bar near a second end thereof. A first set of plurality of hooks are fixedly attached to a first side of the first support bar. A second set of plurality of hooks are fixedly attached to a first side of the second support bar. A one-way tensioning cleat is fixedly connected to the first support bar. The apparatus also includes a rope that has a first end and a second end. The first end of the rope is selectively connectable to one of the plurality of hooks in the first set and the second set. The rope extends through the cleat to place a desired tension on the rope between the cleat and the first end of the rope. The traction force applying apparatus can be used alone or in combination with a traction table.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing spinal therapy includes a base assembly having a pair of spaced-apart parallel guide posts extending upwardly from a platform. The guide posts are capable of being pivoted between a first vertical position, and a second angled position for performing different stretches. Two lift bars are slidably attached to the guide posts, with a cross bar interconnected therebetween. A mattress is disposed between the guide posts and over at least a portion of the cross bar. The mattress is reinforced using resiliently flexible slats to cause the mattress to bow while the lift bar assembly is raised.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for compression of the lower extremities for medical imaging purposes, in particular for diagnostic purposes at complementary examination using computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance tomography (MRT) wherein the device comprises a waist arrangement to be placed around and in firm contact with the hip region of a patient, a knee arrangement to be placed in the vicinity of and in firm contact with the knee of a patient, a foot plate comprising pressure sensors and being arranged to accommodate a foot or the feet of a patient, whereby said sensors are arranged to monitor the pressure of the respective foot on said foot plate, strings connecting said waist arrangement and said foot plate arrangement, which strings can be stretched independently of each other and comprise each a tension meter to monitor the force by which the strings are strained.

Abstract: A vertebral implant assembly having a tubular body and a pair of endplate assemblies is installed between two vertebral endplates using an apparatus comprising an axle having a proximal end and a distal end, a set of gears connected to the proximal end of the axle, and an engager device connected to the set of gears and adapted to rotate the tubular body when the axle is rotated. As the tubular body is rotated, the vertebral implant assembly expands.

Abstract: A method and device for selectively creating intra-spinal pressure in a patient allows improved diagnosis of spinal disorders, particularly through MRI imaging. A harness is worn by the patient above the spinal area to be imaged and the patient lies supine. The harness is connected to a tensioning unit located at the feet of the patient. Tension is applied to the harness through a pair of straps while the patient's feet rest against a stop or plate and the patient's legs are locked. The applied tension compresses and flexes the spine to initiate the condition to be diagnosed. The patient can then be repositioned for imaging while the tension is applied. An indicator may be employed to allow the applied force to be monitored.

Abstract: A lightweight, collapsible and transportable spica chair to be used by toddler, juvenile, and adult patients fitted with a spica cast. Foldable rigid frame supports mutually inclining and individually adjustable rest surfaces including a torso pad assembly and an adjustable leg support assemblies. The patient is supported at the stomach/torso region and at the legs so that the patient is able to “sit” comfortably in a semi-upright position for extended periods of time. An optional tray assembly permits the patient to place items of interest, such as food or toys, within easy reach.

Abstract: A foot support system for actively and passively supporting a foot of an individual suffering from drop foot. The foot support system includes an upper support removably attachable to the leg, a lower support removably attachable to the foot, and an elastic member attached between the upper support and the lower support for applying an upward force upon the distal portion of the foot. The upper support and the lower support preferably include an upper loop and a lower loop respectively for catchably receiving the elastic member. The elastic member may include an engaging member attached to a first end and a hook member attached to a second end thereof for selectively engaging one another.

Abstract: An ambulatory traction device includes two support belts configured to be positioned around a portion of a user's body and one or more lifting mechanisms. Each lifting mechanism is coupled between the support belts and operable to apply a decompressive force to the portion of the user's body when the support belts are positioned around the user's body.

Abstract: A simple tibial distraction device includes a simple height-adjustable limb support triangle for positioning a patient's knee during surgery.

Abstract: The present invention includes a bench mounted to a base frame. A foot truck is slidably mounted to the bench to secure the feet of the user. A tiltable upper body support is mounted to the base. A first belt is provided for securing the legs of a user to the bench. A second belt is provided for securing the pelvic area of the user to the base. A third belt is connected to a support slidably mounted to the upper body support for mounting in a vertical direction. The third belt is used to secure the user to the upper body support. A first pneumatic cylinder is provided for extending the foot track to a selected forward position. A second pneumatic cylinder is provided for tilting the upper body support to a selected tilt position. A third pneumatic cylinder is provided for forcing a pelvic pad toward the lower back area of a user. A fourth pneumatic cylinder is provided for forcing a seat pad against,the user at a selected position adjacent the upper back or neck of a user.

Abstract: A spinal therapy machine having an inflatable bladder. A rigid restraint running around the bladder causes the inflation to rise rather than to expand outward. Rings connected to the ends of the bladder are slidably attached to one or more posts that extend generally perpendicular to whatever structure upon which the bladder is placed. Either a control unit operated directly by the user or a computer direct the inflation of the bladder and, consequently, the elevation of a pad removably attached to the top of the bladder. Inflation is provided by a vacuum motor preferably connect to the bladder with a large tube in order to enable rapid changes in the degree of inflation.