Abstract: A therapy device includes a frame, a motor, and a sling on which a neck of a supine user rests. The sling is movable by the motor relative to the frame to enable continuous passive motion rotation of a user's neck and cervical spine. Additionally, depending on where the user's head is placed relative to the sling, the user's spine can be placed in axial traction, and the user's neck can also be placed into extension. Movement of the sling may be achieved by an armature that is rotated by the motor. The armature may include a plurality of openings formed therein that are configured to receive a sling lead. Each of the openings results in a different amount of rotational movement of the user's head, such that a user can adjust to location of the sling pin to result in a desired amount of rotational movement.

Abstract: Provided herein is a surgical jig and methods for making and using the same. In at least one embodiment, the jig contains a forearm strap and finger strap to secure a patient's forearm and hand, respectively, to the jig, and at least one finger attachment site configured to receive and secure a fractured finger to the jig. The jig is designed to position the hand and finger in an optimal position for fracture reduction by a clinician while utilizing minimal resources. In various embodiments, the present methods of using the jig include adjustment of the patient's hand by the clinician to ensure optimal placement of the fractured finger prior to commencing fracture reduction.

Abstract: A method includes disposing a plurality of actuators about a subject, each actuator being configured to generate a respective vibration signal, each vibration signal applying a normal force to the subject, and controlling the plurality of actuators such that the respective vibration signal of each actuator of the plurality has a respective vibration characteristic. Each actuator is oriented such that the respective vibration signal propagates along a longitudinal axis of the subject for stimulation of the subject remote from the plurality of actuators.

Abstract: A spine board is provided having a skull tong anchor assembly slidably attached to the spine board where a push rod mechanism is used to apply traction force on the skull tong anchor assembly. The push rod mechanism includes a strain gauge device so that the traction force can be selected and monitored. The spine board can also include a mattress that can be attached to the spine board where the mattress includes integrated shoulder straps that can be partially detached therefrom to secure a patient to the spine board.

Abstract: A device for applying a tensile force to a hinged joint is disclosed. The device may include a bracket having a first portion and a second portion insertable underneath a weighted object so as to restrain the device, a biasing element having a first end mounted toward a first end of the first portion and a second end arranged at an opposing second end of the first portion; and a strap removably attached to the second end of the biasing element and arranged to receive the hinged joint, wherein the biasing element applies a tensile force to the hinged joint so as to stretch the hinged joint longitudinally in response to a force exerted by the hinged joint upon receipt in the strap, and wherein the biasing element applies the tensile force to the hinged joint so as to passively stretch and relieve pressure on the ankle.

Abstract: The invented robot provides necessary traction for reduction of foot bone fracture in surgical operation. This robot is equipped with four electrical motor and with aid of three linear and one rotational degree of freedom assists surgery team to align broken foot bone fragments in line precisely. Hence patient foot restores its desired direction during all different stages of operation with proper traction.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for training muscle strength and mobility in the neck provides a dynamic resting position without pressure on the neck, of a person when in lying position. The apparatus includes a base element, a head support suspended floating above the base element, and a neck support rising from the base element. The neck support provides a fulcrum that defines head movement to a pivoting motion about a first axis (X) which runs sideways substantially along the shoulder line of the body, a pivot connection between the head support and the base element defines head movement to a pivoting motion about a second axis (Y) transversely to the first axis, and by its floating suspension the head support defines head movement to a pivoting motion about a third axis (Z) running in the longitudinal direction of the neck and body.

Abstract: An orthopedic fixation assembly, an orthopedic fixation system, and a traction bow assembly are provided. The orthopedic fixation assembly includes a first arm configured for positioning at a first side of a traction location, a second arm configured for positioning at a second side of the traction location, and a joint connecting the first arm to the second arm.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for detecting unexpected movement of a surgical instrument during a robot-assisted surgical procedure are provided. The surgical robot system may be configured to measure forces and torques experienced by the surgical instrument during the surgical procedure and determine if the forces and torques are within an acceptable range. The robot system is further configured to notify the user of the presence of the unexpected movement.

Abstract: A sterile hand connection device is used to attach a patient's arm to a cable adaptor of a surgical arm positioning apparatus. The cable adaptor is connected to two cable ends of a cable of the surgical arm positioning apparatus. The hand connection includes a clip, a buckle, and a wrap that is mounted to the clip. The buckle is attached to the cable adaptor and the clip snaps onto the buckle. The hand wrap is mounted to the clip and wraps around a patient's hand, wrist, and forearm.

Abstract: A sling of a portable traction device cradles a user's head and includes a pair of shock cords attached at opposite ends of the sling. The ends of the shock cords opposite shock cords are anchored is anchored to a structure, such as a closed door at the hinged side of the door, between the door and door frame, using an anchor, at a height, to generate a tension vector at an acute angle relative to the floor. The tension applies cervical traction.

Abstract: The present invention integrates an actuated tilting rehabilitation table, video tracking of the patient arm and opposite shoulder, a low-friction forearm support with grasping force sensing, remote data transmission and additional weighing means, one or more large displays, a computer and a plurality of simulation exercises, such as video games. The patient can be monitored by a local or remote clinician. The table tilts in order to increase exercise difficulty due to gravity loading on the patient's arm and shoulder. In one embodiment, the present the invention includes an actuated tilting table which tilts in four degrees of freedom.

Abstract: A surgical patient support includes a foundation frame, a support top, and a brake system. The foundation frame includes a first column and a second column. The support top is coupled to the first column and the second column for rotation about a top axis extending along the length of the support top. A cervical traction system is also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are apparatuses for supporting a person in an upright position while sleeping or resting in a bed such that the person can avoid sliding down into a horizontal position as a result of natural forces of gravity and normal movement during sleep. According to an aspect, an apparatus includes a harness configured to hold a person, an anchor to secure the harness to a bed, and a tether having one end connected to the harness and another end connected to the anchor. The anchor can include a support member and an insert extending from the support member such that the upper surface of the insert comes into contact with a mattress and the lower surface of the insert comes into contact with a bed-base. The insert can be positioned underneath the mattress and on top of the bed-base.

Abstract: A spinal decompression machine includes a portable frame, a user support element, a laterally positioned handle extending from the frame, and a drive mechanism operatively coupled to the handle. A force bar operatively coupled to the drive mechanism extends longitudinally beyond a longitudinal end of the frame. A harness is attached to the first force bar. The drive mechanism causes the force bar to move longitudinally upon rotation of the handle. A method of providing traction includes positioning a person in a face up position upon the user support element, attaching a harness to a neck or pelvis of the person, the harness attached to a cervical traction bar or a pelvic traction bar, and moving the cervical fraction bar and pelvic fraction bar simultaneously in a common longitudinal direction by moving a handle.

Abstract: Embodiments of low profile distractor apparatuses are disclosed. The distractor apparatuses generally comprise a mounting body, a tensioning mechanism coupled to the mounting body and a distractor arm coupled to the tensioning mechanism and pivotally coupled to the mounting body for rotation relative to the mounting body. The tensioning axis of the tensioning mechanism is non-coaxial with an effector axis of the distractor arm and a distraction force applied with the distractor arm is translated to the effector axis. This enables the distractor apparatus to be positioned relative to a patient such that the tensioning mechanism is offset from the long axis of the limb of the patient thereby facilitating improved access to the distal portions of the limb.

Abstract: A surgical assembly (20) comprises a post (100) having a longitudinally extending axis (104), a support (56) for resisting movement of the post in a negative longitudinal direction, and a platform (70) offset from the support in a positive longitudinal direction. The platform includes an opening (82) through which the post projects. The opening includes a throat (86). The post has a first dimension which renders the post incapable of passing through the throat and a second dimension which renders the post capable of passing through the throat. Alternate embodiments in which the post can be removably engaged with the support and platform and disengaged therefrom without translating the post in the longitudinal direction are also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus is described for measuring and displaying the magnitude of traction forces applied to a patient's lower limbs during surgery, and for measuring the direction and magnitude of counter-traction forces applied to the patient's body by the perineal post located at the patient's groin to oppose traction forces applied to the patient's lower limbs.

Abstract: A locking apparatus for use with a head fixation device allows for a stabilizing fixture, such as a rocker arm having a pair of skull pins, to be selectively secured so that the stabilizing fixture can be adjustably rotated to a desired position. In some version the locking apparatus includes a connector that is retained within an opening in a portion of the head fixation device. The connector can translate within the opening and is restricted from rotation. The translating of the connector permits the connector to engage an arch member that retains the stabilizing fixture. The engagement of the connector and arch member is accomplished, in some versions, by way of matching axial oriented toothed portions or starburst features. In some versions the teeth on the starburst features include a chamfer surface.

Abstract: A traction apparatus which impresses a desired traction force to a body to be pulled is provided.

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: 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 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: A traction bed includes (a) a frame upon which an individual is supportable, (b) a first single-sided lever arm pivotably coupled to the frame at a location proximate both a first end of the frame and a first side of the frame, wherein the first single-sided lever arm is configured to be coupled to an arm of an individual, (c) a second single-sided lever arm pivotably coupled to the frame at a location proximate both a second end of the frame and the first side of the frame, wherein the second single-sided lever arm is configured to be coupled to a leg of an individual, and (d) a control system operable to direct a force onto each of the single-sided lever arms to pivot the single-sided lever arms relative to the frame, wherein the force directed to the first single-sided lever arm is separately variable from the force directed to the second single-sided lever arm.

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: 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: A traction bed includes a frame upon which an individual is supportable, first and second lever arms pivotably coupled to the frame at a location proximate a first end of the frame and configured to be coupled to the individual's upper torso, third and fourth lever arms pivotably coupled to the frame at a location proximate a second end of the frame and configured to be coupled to the individual's pelvis or pelvic region, and a control system operable to direct a force onto each of the lever arms to pivot the lever arms relative to the frame. The force directed to the first and third lever arms is separately variable from the force directed to the second and fourth lever arms to provide differential traction on the individual's body.

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: 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 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: A forward head position correction collar is provided which in combination includes a shoulder collar assembly, a chin mastoid piece for engaging and positioning the head of a wearer of the collar; and interconnecting means for interconnecting the chin piece to the collar assembly as to enable the chin piece to be manually and preferably incrementally adjustable with respect to the shoulder collar assembly in a Z-direction to thereby adjust the supported head of the wearer from the forward head position to an increasingly corrected position. The interconnecting means is further adapted for displacing the chin-mastoid piece in a vertical direction with respect to the shoulder collar assembly simultaneously with and proportional to the incremental adjustment of the chin-mastoid piece along the Z-axis.

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: 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.

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: 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: 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: A rehabilitation and exercise bed includes: a bed having a driving motor provided under the bed; a rotary traction device having a right and a left pedal respectively secured to a pair of crank arms rotatably mounted on opposite ends of an axial shaft of the driving motor for rehabilitating or exercising a patient's feet in a rotary movement like pedaling a bicycle; a lower-limb traction device connected to a front portion of the rotary traction device for reciprocatively rehabilitating or exercising the patient's lower limbs; and an upper-limb traction device connected to a rear portion of the rotary traction device for reciprocatively exercising the patient's upper limbs.

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: 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: 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: A ballistic lumbar support belt includes a lumbar support portion configured to cover and provide support to at least a portion of a wearer's lower back. The lumbar support portion is configured to receive one or more ballistic protection elements. A belt portion is connected to the lumbar support portion. The belt portion is configured to releasably secure the lumbar support portion around the wearer's waist.

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: A traction apparatus which impresses a desired traction force to a body to be pulled is provided.

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: 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: 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 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 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.