Cervical Orthosis with Vertebral Void for Imaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for immobilizing the cervical spine during emergency medical transport often fail to properly stabilize the spine, leading to increased injury risk due to inadequate immobilization.
Innovation Solution
A non-invasive orthosis system comprising an adjustable back plate, a forehead band, and a torso vest, which provides posterior support to immobilize the cervical spine without exerting pressure on the chest, allowing for unimpeded imaging through a vertebral void in the back plate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional cervical collar and backboard methods are used, then immobilization is attempted, but the cervical spine is not properly stabilized leading to increased injury risk
Solution Approach 1:
The orthosis divides the immobilization system into distinct functional segments: a forehead band for head stabilization, a back plate for spinal alignment, and a torso harness for overall support. Each component addresses specific immobilization needs, collectively providing reliable cervical spine stabilization that conventional unified methods fail to achieve.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from two-dimensional planar immobilization (flat backboard) to three-dimensional volumetric support through the adjustable back plate that conforms to the cervical spine's curvature. This dimensional enhancement provides comprehensive stabilization in multiple planes, preventing both flexion/extension and lateral movements effectively.
2Reliability
If conventional immobilization methods are used, then the cervical spine is restrained, but imaging requires removal of the immobilization device
Solution Approach 1:
The back plate incorporates a cutout or window that extracts only the specific region needed for imaging (the cervical spine area) while preserving the rest of the immobilization structure. This allows X-rays and other imaging modalities to pass through the orthosis without requiring removal of the device, saving critical time during emergency care.
Solution Approach 2:
The back plate acts as an intermediary structure that simultaneously provides mechanical support and allows radiographic penetration. The material and design of the back plate are specifically chosen to be radiolucent in the cervical region while maintaining structural integrity for immobilization, mediating between the conflicting requirements of support and imaging access.
3Reliability
If conventional cervical collar methods are used, then immobilization is applied, but pressure is exerted on the chest affecting breathing
Solution Approach 1:
The orthosis segments the support structure to place immobilization forces directly on the cervical spine and head rather than transmitting pressure to the chest. The back plate contacts the occiput and cervical region, while the torso harness provides distal stabilization, creating a direct support pathway that bypasses the thoracic cavity and preserves respiratory function.
Solution Approach 2:
The forehead band and back plate create a rigid lever arm that copies and transfers stabilizing forces from the head to the torso harness, eliminating the need for chest-based support. This force transmission pathway replicates the stabilizing effect of conventional methods while avoiding chest compression that compromises breathing.
Data Source
AI summary
An orthosis is provided for immobilizing a cervical spine including: a forehead band; a back plate having a vertebral void, and a torso harness. The back plate is coupled to the forehead band. The torso harness includes a back plate stabilizer that stabilizes a position of the back plate relative to the cervical spine.