Abstract: Foot supporting devices and methods hold the wearer's foot and leg at a predetermined angle for sufficient time to reduce foot fatigue or pain, while the wearer is not on the feet. The invention requires that there be no part of the foot supporting devices making contact with or causing stress on the wearer's heel. The foot supporting devices may be made from soft, pliable fabric materials.

Abstract: A portable traction device primarily for application of pelvic traction can be easily transported, assembled and dismantled by a user for the self-application of traction without the need for specialized in-patient equipment. The device is carried in a padded storage bag and includes a foldable traction frame assembly on which the user lies during application of traction. Also included are a pelvic belt, traction cords and water bags to be attached to the belt as well as hip and neck support cushions, all of the components being receivable in the storage bag. The user carries the bag and sets up the device at any convenient location. A primary component of the device is a foldable frame assembly having a base plate on which the user lies during treatment and a frame at one end providing elevated cord guides over which the traction cords extend from the belt to the water bags.

Abstract: The invention is a physical therapy table having moveable sections allowing the patient to be placed in different physical positions as part of an individual physical therapy regimen wherein the patient himself applies and controls extension, traction and mobilization therapy.

Abstract: A radiolucent head clamp having a C-shaped frame with a fixed head-engaging pin on one side and a pair of head-engaging pins on the opposite side. The opposite side of the clamp has a radiolucent rotation mechanism for adjusting the angular position of the pair of head-engaging pins and a radiolucent translation mechanism for linearly moving the pair of head-engaging pins with respect to the fixed head-engaging pin.

Abstract: A spinal traction device comprising a bench for supporting a user; a first tensioning arm having a base end, a tip end, and a location therebetween pivotally coupled to one end of the bench with the tip end extending upwards above the bench and with the base end extended downwards; a second tensioning arm having base end, a tip end, and a location therebetween pivotally coupled to the other end of the bench with the tip end extending upwards and with the base end extended downwards; a third tensioning arm having a base end, a tip end, and a location therebetween pivotally coupled to the bench below the first tensioning arm with tip end extended upwards and with the base end extended downwards; rod mean device secured between the base end of the first tensioning arm and the base end of the second tensioning arm and secured between the tip end of the second tensioning arm and the base end of the third tensioning arm; an upper belt secured to the first tensioning arm and securable about user laying upon the benc

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a brace for a scoliosis patient includes a casting board for receiving a patient in a laying-down position and a plurality of pressure pads which are releaseably securable on the casting board for applying lateral pressure to the torso portion of the patient. The apparatus is operative in a method for forming a brace by first positioning the patient in a treatment position on the casting board in which the pressure pads are assembled with the patient to apply predetermined amounts of lateral pressure to precisely defined areas of the torso portion of the patient. The patient is then removed from the casting board, an uncured cast is assembled on the torso portion of the patient and the patient is repositioned in the same treatment position on the casting board while the cast is allowed to cure. The cast can then be used to form a scoliosis brace for the patient by conventional techniques.

Abstract: An orthopedic traction apparatus for use with an adjustable hospital bed and capable of being operated by a patient within the bed to independently get in and out of the traction apparatus without the help of another person.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a brace for a scoliosis patient includes a casting board for receiving a patient in a laying-down position and a plurality of pressure pads which are releaseably securable on the casting board for applying lateral pressure to the torso portion of the patient. The apparatus is operative in a method for forming a brace by first positioning the patient in a treatment position on the casting board in which the pressure pads are assembled with the patient to apply predetermined amounts of lateral pressure to precisely defined areas of the torso portion of the patient. The patient is then removed from the casting board, an uncured cast is assembled on the torso portion of the patient and the patient is repositioned in the same treatment position on the casting board while the cast is allowed to cure. The cast can then be used to form a scoliosis brace for the patient by conventional techniques.

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: The present invention provides apparatus and method for therapeutically treating an injured spine by lifting and rotating the pelvic area to straighten the lumbar spine and by applying a force to the spine to separate vertebral bodies and to stretch the connective tissue along the spinal cord by relative movement of the body of the patient with reference to a fixed point.

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: 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: The invention comprises a pelvic harness for use in applying traction to the lumbar region of a patient. This harness forms a wide waist encircling band to which are attached a pair of posterior straps directly in line with the patient's spinal column and a pair of anterior straps for attachment over the anterior superior spine of the iliac crest of the patient's pelvis. These straps have a length sufficient to extend from the belt between the legs of the patient to connect to a traction device for applying traction to the patient.

Abstract: A device for traction medical therapy exerts a force on the patient as selected via a patient or doctor-controlled hand-held unit. The unit sends signals to a traction puller device which may be secured to the end of the patient's bed, or on some other appropriate framework. Traction force is developed by a small fluid pump, preferably a vacuum pump, acting to evacuate a cylinder with a piston which is connected to a traction pulling line or cord connected to the patient. The patient can increase the traction force by further evacuation of the cylinder, and can lighten traction force by operating a valve which gradually vents vacuum from the system. In a preferred embodiment, the piston and cylinder have a rolling diaphragm, making the cylinder completely leak proof so that traction force will not dissipate over time.