Abstract: A chin support holds an anesthetized patient's head in the proper position during surgery so that the unconscious patient's airway is held open. A pylon attaches to and extends up from the side of an operating table. A tether attaches to the top of the pylon and extends around the patient's chin to keep the patient's head tilted during surgery. The pylon is held in place against the operating table by the tension on the tether when the chin support is in use.

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

Abstract: An apparatus for foot traction, including a folding bed, a transmission mechanism mounted on the folding bed at the bottom, and two ankle cradles driven by the transmission mechanism to pull the user's legs, wherein the transmission mechanism consists of a transmission shaft transversely mounted on the folding bed at the bottom, a transmission cable having one end fixedly fastened to the transmission shaft in the middle and an opposite end terminating in symmetrical pairs of branch cables respectively fastened to the ankle cradles by hooks, and a handle coupled to the transmission shaft at one end is driven to turn the transmission shaft in taking up the transmission cable.

Abstract: The cervical traction/stretch device comprises a hollow inflatable body made of an elastically expandable material and includes a shoulder portion, a head portion and a bellows portion which is integrally formed with the head portion and to the shoulder portion. The bellows portion, the shoulder portion and the head portion have aligned U-shaped openings therein adapted to receive a user's neck. Pumping structure is connected to the body for pumping air into the body and for relieving or releasing air out of the body and the head portion. The bellows portion and the shoulder portion have an un-inflated condition, a first inflated condition and a second inflated condition where the bellows portion acts against and between the head portion and the shoulder portion.

Abstract: A traction mechanism utilizing a tube of flexible material possessing an inner chamber which includes a dimension that is reducible in size upon the application of tension to the tube. Likewise, the tube chamber dimension is expandable in size upon the application of compression on the tube. The first end portion of the tube extends from a closure and terminates in a second open end portion. A tube may be formed of flexible material and possess a dual wall construction. A line extends from the first end portion of the tube to the second end portion thereof for attachment at that point. Pulling the line compresses the tube and thus increases the dimension of the same, releasing items held thereby in traction.

Abstract: Device for positioning of patient in an arms-over-head position. This device comprises a horizontal base which is placed on a horizontal supporting surface such as a floor or patient treatment table, a head positioning member affixed to the base near one end thereof, an upright handlebar supporting member which is secured to the base near another end thereof and extends upwardly from the base, and a handlebar which is adjustably mounted in or on the handlebar support member so that the hand grips on the handlebar may be positioned either closer to or farther from the head positioning member, in accordance with the height and arm length of the patient. This device is useful in medical procedures in which a patient should be precisely and reproducibly positioned in an arms-over-head position.

Abstract: An orthopedic treatment apparatus has a frame having a first movable platform having a platform frame movably attached to the frame for a reciprocating motion on a first pivot in a generally vertical motion. The first movable platform is also movably attached to said platform frame for a generally horizontal reciprocating motion on a second pivot. A first drive motor is attached to the frame and coupled to the first movable platform for driving the platform in a reciprocating motion relative to the frame while a second drive motor is attached to the first movable platform frame and coupled to the platform for moving the platform in a generally horizontal reciprocating motion relative to the frame.

Abstract: An improved chiropractive table having a seat portion and a back-rest portion. Non-invasive traction devices are attached to the table for applying an upward force and a lateral force to a desired portion of a patient's anatomy. The combined forces produce a stretching force and a rolling moment to provide the desired therapy to the patient.

Abstract: A two-part traction device for applying caudal pressure against the forehead of the user comprising a first part back support and a second part, or traction unit. The user lies with his neck extended over the padded back support which supports the thorax of the patient in a face up position. The second part, or traction unit, comprises a spring loaded tube which is used to apply the compressive force against the user's forehead in this position. The traction unit has a bowl shaped forehead engaging member with a padded material portion for engagement with the forehead. The force applied to the user may be varied by rotation of the spring loaded tube by various degrees thus elongating the spring tube and increasing the pressure transmitted through to the headpiece.

Abstract: A cervical traction and exercise device adapted to be secured about the head and neck for imparting the desired lordotic shape into the cervical region of the spine and manipulating the spine and surrounding tissue to promote fluid and cellular exchange in and around the intervertebral discs. The device includes a frame, an upstanding neck support carried by the frame, an inflatable elongated bladder carried by the neck support, restraining straps for securing the device to the user's head such that the bladder is disposed below and adjacent the user's neck, and means for selectively inflating and deflating the bladder to force the cervical spine to curve forwardly and apply angular traction to the spine.

Abstract: A surgical head clamp having two arms, one with a single head engaging pin and the second with two head engaging pins mounted on a bracket. The bracket is capable of being rotated to reposition the head. The operating knob which releases the bracket to allow rotation has a safety locking pin which prevents the inadvertent rotation of the bracket when the pin is in a locked position.

Abstract: A thigh support or ischeal ring is removably attached to a leg splint such as a Thomas or other similar type of splint. The ring is formed of a rigid material having fastening means integrally formed therewith and is substantially covered by at least one layer of padding to prevent irritating contact with the patient's thigh region.

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

Abstract: An apparatus operable in cooperation with a bed having a top surface and opposite head and foot ends for applying traction to a patient's lower back, including a lower sheet extending from the head end lengthwise to the foot end, said sheet including excess length at the head end of said bed, pulling means for pulling said lower sheet lengthwise toward the foot end of said bed, and an upper sheet having one end fixedly attached to said head end of said bed and extending lengthwise about halfway to said foot end, said upper sheet positioned above and lying on said lower sheet said pulling means adapted to periodically pull said lower sheet lengthwise in the foot end direction a predetermined distance, wherein movement of the lower sheet with the patient's buttocks and legs lying thereon effects a frictional pull in the foot end direction on said buttocks and legs, and wherein the weight of the patient's upper body on the fixed upper sheet effects a frictional resistance in the opposite direction on the patient

Abstract: An apparatus for exercising a bed-ridden patient includes a frame; a load movably supported by the frame and having a load attachment point for movably carrying a limb of the patient, the load including a wheeled carriage, the frame including a track for guiding the carriage; a drive for repetitively cycling the load in a carriage path relative to the frame and including a first crank driven by a motor, and a first connecting rod pivotally connected to the first crank for reciprocating the carriage along the track; a base for supportively anchoring the apparatus; a pivot for adjustably orienting the frame in a fixed position relative to the base, the pivot having a first position for horizontally orienting the track for lateral movement of the limb and a second position for vertically orienting the track for raising and lowering the limb; and a base plate, the frame being supported by the base plate, the lift attachment point being fixably located relative to the base plate, a clamp arm pivotally connected be

Abstract: An apparatus and method for non-invasive distraction of the ankle joint to accommodate arthroscopic procedures provides the ability to apply a wide range of distraction forces to the ankle joint, to hold the ankle in positions above the table in leg positions ranging from nearly horizontal to acutely flexed, and to even position the ankle below the level of the operating table to accommodate special needs and/or positions. A distractor with an axially adjustable length is attached at one end to the foot of the patient and at the other end to one end of a rotatable lever arm, the opposite end of which lever arm is rotatably attached to the operating table with an adjustable clamp. With the knee of the patient supported in a conventional leg holder, the distractor is initially secured in a position extending axially away from the end of the leg by rotating the lever arm in a direction to place the distractor and ankle joint in a position of initial distraction.

Abstract: This invention relates to a spinal column correction device and in particular to one including a head rest having a first raised support, a second raised support formed with a recess at the intermediate portion, a groove between the first raised support and the second raised support, a triangular region extending downwardly from the second raised support, and a Velcro strap at the lower edge of the head rest, a lumbar rest having a Velcro strap at the upper edge and the lower edge, a swollen region at the intermediate portion, a spine line at the center, a triangular region at the upper portion, and two recesses at the lower portion for receiving two hips of an user, and a bottom rest having two recesses for receiving two feet of an user and a swollen region between the two recesses for resting the feet, whereby the device may effectively correct the spinal column of an user.

Abstract: A halo vest (for cervical and spine injuries) having a body of structural material such as hard plastic has halo supporting rods and a halo attached to it. A lining of wicking material is provided for the vest body. The vest body has a surface configuration that avoids pressure on bony prominences, has flat surfaces at flat bone areas and curved surfaces at curved bone areas of the user, and exerts less than about seven pounds per square inch pressure on the wearer's skin. No dimension from an interior surface point to the closest peripheral portion is larger than the ability of the lining to readily wick liquid from the interior surface point to the peripheral portion so as to avoid skin wetness. The lining comprises a first layer of water proof and vapor proof material like cross-linked closed cell polyethylene foam having grooves to facilitate transport of liquid toward the periphery of the vest, and a second layer of soft, wicking textile material that is air, water, and vapor permeable.

Abstract: A head clamp which includes a frame with two arms, a bracket on one of the arms capable of rotation to adjust the position of head engaging pins affixed at the ends of the arms. The bracket is rotatable but held in position by a plurality of index pins fixed in apertures in a plate and the bracket is capable of being rotated by moving the pins out of the apertures and rotating the bracket when the head engaging pins have been removed from the patient.

Abstract: An orthopedic back harness is provided for alleviating muscle and back pains. The harness is comprised of a wide flexible belts having some degree of stiffness and substantial padding. The belt is fitted above the breast and under the arm pits of the user in such a manner that when connected to an elevated support, such as a ceiling, the weight of the user is borne by the belt and pads under the arms at the arm pit area. Padding sections on the belt provide a thickness such that the user can support upper portions of the arms on the belt to share the body load upon the back. A second belt may be fitted around the waist of the user and connected to the upper wide belt by flexible straps to share the weight load of the user. When the body of the user is fully supported by the aforementioned belts, strain and tension on the back and back muscles can be used to alleviate back and back muscle pains and soreness.

Abstract: A motor-operated traction device includes an actuator consisting of a DC motor and a worm shaft assembly and controlled by a controller to reciprocate a rocker arm causing a horizontal pull rod to pull a waist harness and a neck harness so as to apply traction to the patient's spine.

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

Abstract: A pneumatic traction device is provided which includes a pneumatic cylinder having a patient engaging device mounted to a pneumatic piston slidably positioned in the pneumatic cylinder. The pneumatic cylinder in turn is connected to a mounting device which can be mounted to a wall, for example. Compressed air, provided by a motor driven compressor, is directed on a timed basis to a chamber on one side of the pneumatic piston to move the pneumatic piston in a direction which pulls on the patient engaging device to provide traction to the patient. An electrically controllable relief valve is also provided by which the compressed air in the pneumatic cylinder can be bled into the atmosphere when the relief valve is opened. A controllable switch is provided for selectably controlling the operation of the compressor and relief valve.

Abstract: A distraction and reduction device includes a main support bar having a saddle at one end thereof for engagement with the patient's groin or axilla. A support arm is mounted on the support bar and supports a force applying unit. The force applying unit is connected to a means for engaging the body and applies a distally directed force to the patient's limb to distract the bone fragments. As distraction force is being applied to the fractured limb, the saddle presses into the patient's groin or axilla thereby providing resistance against the traction force. The invention also includes a fracture reducing unit which is used to selectively apply pressure to the limb at the location of the fracture to correct any misalignment of the bone fragments.

Abstract: For cervical surgery, the neck of the patient is lifted and arched slightly upwardly with the head being supported beyond the end of an operating table. The anterior spacing between the vertebrae of the patient's cervical spine is increased, thereby affording better surgical access.

Abstract: A person's cervical spine is progressively remodeled to a normal anterior-posterior curve be seating the person on a chair in an upright position with a lumbar fulcrum pad located in the small of the person's back. An anterior fulcrum strap extends around the neck and is pulled forwardly and upwardly at a preselected angle and with a predetermined force to set the cervical or neck spine with a near normal or slightly forward curve. A headband extends around the person's forehead and the lower part of the skull, and a pair of stabilizer straps extend upwardly from the chair and pull the headband rearwardly with a predetermined force. The forces are applied to the straps by front and rear weights connected to the straps through cables extending around vertically adjustable pulleys. The weights are removable or lifted from the straps by power driven winches movable with a pulleys and controlled by the person.

Abstract: Headgear for use in cervical traction is described comprising a U-shaped bail member having an arch portion separated by a pair of arm portions, an adjustable front strap assembly which is attachable to the arm portions of the bail at a plurality of locations, and a rear strap assembly which attaches to the distal ends of each of the arm portions of the bail. The headgear works in a manner similar to a four-bar linkage sysstem to grip the head of the user and apply traction thereto. A traction force applied on the arch portion of the bail results in the tightening of the front and rear strap assemblies to the forehead and occipital region of the user's head respectively. The headgear provides efficient traction at all angles between approximately 0 to 60 degrees with the spinal cord, and can be used with traction frames for mobile or immobile patients. The headgear of the present invention substantially improves patient comfort with minimal risk of tissue damage.

Abstract: The present invention is for an exercise device for strengthening the muscles of the lower back and a method for using the same. The device has hand rails provided which allow the user to vary the relative involvement of muscles of the lower back. The device has a protrusion with a ridge which supports the pelvic area of the user. Preferably the contour of the ridge is adjustable to ensure the comfort of the user. The device preferably has an ankle retaining means which is adjustable and into which the user's ankles can be slidably engaged with a pivotable motion of the body. This simplifies the positioning of the user on the device.

Abstract: The invention provides a cervical brace with a torso engaging member, a chin support member and a head support member. The chin support member and head support member are adjustably mounted on the torso engaging member. The chin support member releases from the framework and pivots so as to allow simple mounting and removal without affecting the adjustments. The chin support member and head support member cooperatively restrict movement of the wearer's head.