Abstract: A distraction frame for use with a surgical table, wherein the surgical table includes a base for positioning on a floor, the distraction frame including a table mount for fixation to the base of the surgical table; at least one horizontal strut mounted to the table mount; at least one vertical strut mounted to the at least one horizontal strut; and at least one distraction mechanism mounted to the at least one vertical strut, wherein the at least one distraction mechanism may be connected to a limb of a patient for applying a distraction force to the limb of the patient; wherein the table mount may transfer to the floor a force moment imposed on the table mount when the at least one distraction mechanism applies a distraction force to a limb of a patient.

Abstract: One embodiment of a maximum push-up exercise machine (100) for various push-up exercises in the prone position on a platform (108) with weights having a cable-pulley weight stack system housing (102) with a cable-pulley weight stack system (104) that is welded, bolted, or connected in any manner to said platform. The configuration of the cable-pulley weight stack system may be in any manner such that a cable thimble (110) is positioned midpoint of the platform. The cable thimble is configured to receive snap link hook from a chain (150) suspended from a harness or belt (146) worn by a user (106), connect to a single cable handle attachment (148), and connect to a push-up bar (138) via a push-up bar cable connector (140).

Abstract: A caregiver assist device for use with a patient support apparatus is disclosed. The caregiver assist device including a support structure, a boom, a helper belt, and a constant force spring assembly. The boom extends from the support structure over the patient support apparatus. The helper belt is supported along the boom and has a first end and a second end. The constant force spring assembly includes a constant force spring coupled between the support structure and the first end of the helper belt so that a constant counterbalancing force is applied to the helper belt in response to a patient force being applied to the second end of the helper belt.

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: 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 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 shoulder lift includes a hollow bent shaft that has a first end and a second end and that defines an interior of the bent shaft. First and second openings leading to the interior of the bent shaft are formed at the first and second ends, respectively. The shoulder lift also includes a cable having a first end and a second end. The cable runs through the first opening formed at the first end of the bent shaft and the second opening formed at the second end of the bent shaft such that the cable is threaded through the interior of the bent shaft. The first end of the cable is configured to be coupled to an arm sleeve for holding a patient's arm, and the second end of the cable is configured to be coupled to a support structure that locks into a to fixed position.

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

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

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

Abstract: 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 retracted force exerting position, and means of relieving traction force exerted by the gas spring and associated assembly.

Abstract: Apparatus for suspending the calf and foot of a patient recumbent on a bed to relieve pressure on the thigh of the patient includes a leg lift unit in the form of a rigid, trough-like posterior shell shaped to engage under the patient's calf and foot. A bail having opposite ends is connected to the side walls of the shell so that the bail loops above the shell and a support frame extends up and over the bed. A cord hanging from the frame is releasably connected to the bail. By appropriately adjusting the position of the frame, the patient's calf may be subjected to the necessary amount of lift and/or tension to minimize localized pressure on the patient's thigh and buttock areas and to relieve compression forces on the patient's spinal column.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for self administration of adjustable lumbar traction by a user in a supine position upon a support. The device comprises an upper body harness releasably encircling the torso and anchored to the support spacedly outwardly of the user's head, a lower body harness releasably encircling the user's waist and anchored to a support spacedly outwardly of the user's feet and user adjustable elastically biased tensioning members extending between the lower body harness and the support to which it is anchored. The device is preferably carried on a bedstead or table.

Abstract: A patient-support apparatus comprises a frame, a patient-support surface supported by the frame, and at least one mounting bracket coupled to the frame. The at least one mounting bracket includes a portion that is adapted to couple to a fracture frame.

Abstract: Support arrangement for supporting the arm of a patient in a bent position of the upper arm relative to the lower arm. The support arrangement includes a holding bag, which on an upper side is attachable in a hanging manner to a support. The holding bag forms a bottom side configured for the upper arm and forms a first side configured for the underside of the bent lower arm. The holding bag is made exclusively of textile-like material and consists of a flat cut, folded and sewn up on the upper and lower sides. A second side of the holding bag facing the upper arm is formed so as to be closeable, and at least one cord for closing the second side and at least one fastening cord for fastening the holding sack at its upper side are provided. The holding bag may be formed tapered at its width at least on the upper side. The holding bag may be formed open in the tapered region both on the side facing the upper arm and on the side turned away from the upper arm.

Abstract: A cervical traction device which can be used on a support surface such as a bed which applies a tractive force to the back of the patient's skull approximate to the occipital bone through the use of contoured blocks which can preferably be positioned behind the patient's head and mounted on a head rest assembly. The tractive force can be administered in a continuous cyclical or intermittent manner controlled by the patient during a cervical traction session. The device has an integrated damping system which permits return of tractive force to the patient during each cycle in a gradual fashion. This gradual return enables this unit to closely simulate cyclic, and cyclic intermittent traction performed in the more expensive in-office equipment used by physical therapists. The head rest assembly slides on the bed or similar surface and can be vertically and laterally adjusted to vary the flexion-extension angle.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical traction device is provided which includes a motor driven linear actuator connected to a guided carriage. A second carriage is mounted in tandem with the first on a common guide. The two carriages are connected by a spring. A patient engaging device is connected to the second carriage. The linear actuator and carriage guide are mounted to a common surface. When power is provided to the linear actuator motor, it moves the first carriage. The motion is transmitted through the spring to the second carriage and patient engaging device to provide traction to the patient. Reversing the motor relieves the traction force.

Abstract: The invention comprises a novel stretcher frame clamp, which allows standard hospital-style traction components to be used in conjunction with ambulance cots or the like. In the preferred embodiment, the clamp comprises two clamp halves, which when joined together define an octagonal outer shaped clamping area. The octagonal outer shape of the clamping area is sized to adapt to octagonal tubing-based traction components. Each clamp half also has a recessed channel cut therein, which is of a shape and size so that when the clamp halves are joined together around a stretcher frame rail, the frame rail passes through the center of the frame clamp assembly and contacts the clamp assembly along the entire length of the frame rail section which passes therethrough. The clamp halves are held together to create the clamp assembly in a compressive fashion, so as to squeeze the stretcher frame rail as it passes through the clamp assembly.

Abstract: A stretching machine provides a structural framework upon which a user can perform a series of assisted stretching exercises. The framework includes a number of restraint points where the user can be positioned and stabilized, and a motor-driven tractive line that slowly and safely applies a stretching motion to the user.

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: 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: A method and apparatus are presented in which a generally vertical force is applied to a person's lower spine in approximately a perpendicular direction to the axis of elongation of the spine. In particular, the person is placed on his back in a substantially supine position. A restraining belt is then placed about the person's pelvic area and a lifting force is applied in an upward direction. The person can then apply pressure to one of various footrests to adjust the amount and direction of the force applied to the spine for maximum relief from lower back discomfort. The method and apparatus may also be used to adjust other body areas, such as the shoulders or neck, by applying the belt to the pertinent body area.