Abstract: A cervical traction device advantageously includes a therapeutic pack that can be separately heated or chilled for use with the device. The most common application is a cold pack insertable in a recessed pocket of the device to provide cold therapy as the device is inflated during cervical decompression. The structure preferably includes a series of bladders that cooperate to define a cavity for accepting the therapeutic pack on an inside surface for thermal exchange with the neck of a user.

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

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 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: 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 or inflatable member that may be expanded and locked into position. The frame or inflatable member 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 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: A femur traction device includes a brace adapted to be secured to a patient's leg, with one end secured above a break in the leg and a hitch end extending below the foot and providing a hitch for a tensioning harness. The tensioning harness is secured between the hitch and the patient's ankle, and straps of the harness may be lengthened or shortened to increase or decrease tension on the leg. The tensioning harness advantageously does not rely on hook-and-loop type fastening means, is color coded to facilitate proper use, and stores in a pouch that forms part of and is secured to the remainder of the tensioning harness.

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: Health equipment for dragging the lumber with the trunk of the human body securely supported is provided. The trunk support 2 is bendable only inwardly, and holds and supports the trunk of the human body. Since the trunk support 2 is placed around the human body and enfolds from the area below the costae to above the pelvis, the human body is securely supported, whereby lumbago treatment can be carried out with the patient suspended in the air. Since the lumber is dragged with the weight of the lower part of the patient's body, there is no possibility that the lumber is dragged with the excessive weight. The leg hanging unit 4 is a device to hang the legs of the patient. By using this leg hanging unit 4, so called mobilization may be carried out with the lower back portion suspended in the air, thereby increasing effectiveness of lumbago treatment.

Abstract: A spinal traction/decompression device suitable for home or clinical treatment of lumbar and cervical spine pathology. The traction apparatus has a substantially flat upper body support that is moveable with respect to a fixed base. The upper body support is adapted to receive the upper torso of an individual leaning forward in a prone position while kneeling on a knee cushion. A pelvis/hip restraining portion holds the individual's lower torso in position with respect to the fixed base when the upper body support is moved. Lumbar traction may be induced by a user positioning their upper torso on the upper body support and moving it forward or backward with respect to the fixed base. The upper body support may also be divided into two independently moveable sections such that cervical traction can be induced in a neck region of a user. The traction force is preferably supplied by the individual pushing or pulling the upper body support forward with their arms.

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: The present invention relates to a medical device for syndactyly of at least two fingers or toes, said device being in one piece and comprising at least two rings joined via at least one connection bar in such a way as to permit sliding of the syndactylized fingers or toes relative to one another.

Abstract: Bicentric hinges for use in braces and methods for operating knee braces and other types of braces are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a hinge includes a plate and first and second members rotatably coupled to the plate. The first member is rotatable about a first axis of rotation between a first position and a second position. The second member is rotatable about a second axis of rotation between a third position and a fourth position independent of the rotation of the first member about the first axis of rotation. The second axis of rotation is spaced apart from the first axis of rotation. The first and second members are configured to be attachable to a frame.

Abstract: A self-seating occiput wedge system for applying a therapeutic traction force to the occipital areas on a patent's head. The self-seating occiput wedge system includes a pair of self-seating, upstanding occiput wedges rotatably mounted generally perpendicular to a carriage. The occiput wedges define opposing engaging surfaces arranged to engage with the occipital areas of the patient's head. End stops define a range of rotation about an axis of rotation for each of the occiput wedges. The range of rotation is about 20 degrees. A cervical traction device utilizes the occiput wedge system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A frame with two parallel foot-retention bars (1) and two handles (7) that extend beside the hips of a user lying on a horizontal surface. A user inserts his/her feet between the foot-retention bars, and pushes downward on the handles to stretch the spine. The handles preferably are adjustably extendable to accommodate different user sizes. The foot retention bars push the feet away from the body, producing traction in the spine. Preferably, the foot retention bars are adjustably separable. Preferably, each of the handle assemblies (5-7) is pivotable 180 degrees to a compact storage position within the respective frame portion (3). Optionally, the device can be shipped partially assembled, for completion by the user.

Abstract: A self-seating occiput wedge system for applying a therapeutic traction force to the occipital areas on a patent's head. The self-seating occiput wedge system includes a pair of self-seating, upstanding occiput wedges rotatably mounted generally perpendicular to a carriage. The occiput wedges define opposing engaging surfaces arranged to engage with the occipital areas of the patient's head. End stops define a range of rotation about an axis of rotation for each of the occiput wedges. The range of rotation is about 20 degrees. A cervical traction device utilizes the occiput wedge system is also disclosed.

Abstract: The pneumatic lumbar traction device comprises two separable parts, namely an upper hollow shell and a lower plate or frame. The plate or frame has a pneumatically operated piston and cylinder mechanism located centrally thereof with a piston rod extending outwardly to engage a guided bar guided in a guideway mounted to the plate or frame. The guided bar extends outwardly of a foot end of the hollow shell and the plate or frame has an outer perimeter. The hollow shell has an inner perimeter which is sized to seat over and around the outer perimeter of the plate or frame, such that the outer perimeter of the plate or frame can bear against the inner perimeter of said hollow shell at a head end of the device when traction is placed on the lumbar region of a users back. The hollow shell has the foot end and a head end. The opening at the foot end allows the guided bar to extend therethrough.

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: A device for relocating dislocated shoulders, providing in-line humeral traction, wherein there is provided an arm isolation component for isolating the elbow area of the arm adjoining the shoulder to which traction is to be applied, the present invention further including a second strap placed about the chest of the patient, under the arm of the afflicted shoulder, for countertraction. The arm isolation component is of a unique design and includes an upper, generally wedge-configured upper isolation component, having a base configured to engage the underside of the upper (humeral) area of arm, the base further including first and second, somewhat aligned, cushion members emanating in generally lateral fashion from opposing sides of the base, the cushion members configured to each engage an opposing side of the upper arm when applied to the base, enveloping that portion of the arm with the application of a first strap which secures the base and cushion members about the arm.

Abstract: An apparatus for enlarging a patient's soft tissue. The apparatus comprises an adhesive for adhering to said soft tissue and a tensioner connected to the adhesive for applying a tensile stress to the surface of the soft tissue.

Abstract: An apparatus for reforming a spine includes an actuating unit with two recesses respectively defined in each side thereof. Two belts are respectively and securely received in the recesses to enable the actuating unit to be secured round the waist by a belt buckle. A driving device is disposed within the actuating unit. A ram is telescopically fitted to an upper end of the actuating unit and either a chest supporting frame or a cervix traction pole is attached to one end of the ram. The drive device is operated to cause the ram to be moved up and down and the distance between the ram and the actuating unit is changed and thus applies force on the spine to reform the spine.

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.