Spinal Orthoses Overview

A spinal orthosis's primary function is to restrict excessive spinal movement.

Spinal orthoses stabilize functional units of the spine, reducing movement between vertebrae.

Spinal orthoses apply forces to counteract deforming forces, often used to prevent further damage from fractures.

Spinal orthoses can reduce stress on the spine by limiting bending and twisting motions, protecting surgical implants and minimizing strain.

Braces often aim to restore or exaggerate the spine's natural structure.

Hyperextension is a technique commonly used with spinal orthoses to prevent flexion and reduce compressive force on the vertebral body.

A three-point mold utilizes three points of force - one posterior and two anterior - to correct spinal alignment and prevent deformities.

Over-tightening or poorly positioned braces can cause skin breakdown and pain.

Stiffening of soft tissues around a joint, restricting movement. Occurs after prolonged immobilization.

Loss of proper alignment of the spine, often caused by trauma or muscle weakness.

Weakening of muscles due to disuse during immobilization.

A device used to support and stabilize the spine, often prescribed after injury or surgery.

A type of spinal orthotic that supports the cervical spine (neck).

A type of cervical orthotic that provides minimal support and is used for minor neck injuries or as a reminder to avoid excessive neck movement.

A type of cervical orthotic that provides more rigid support for the neck, often used for more serious neck injuries.

A type of cervical orthotic providing the most stability to the cervical spine, similar to a halo brace.

A type of cervical collar providing superior cervical stability, statistically outperforming other collars like the Philadelphia and Aspen collars.

A cervical collar known for its ability to restrict cervical motion effectively, but not as effective as the NecLoc.

A type of cervical collar that is statistically inferior to the NecLoc and Miami J collars in restricting cervical motion.

A type of cervical collar, often used for stabilization, but it has been found to exert pressures exceeding capillary closing pressure at many collar-tissue interfaces.

A type of fracture that affects the front part of the vertebrae and can cause a collapse of the spine.

A condition where the spine curves abnormally forward, creating a hunchback appearance.

A rigid vest commonly used for occipital-cervical instability or to provide added support after surgery. It restricts neck movement in all directions.

A fracture that involves the front and back parts of the vertebrae, leading to severe instability and potential neurological damage.

A fracture affecting the C2 vertebra, often caused by forceful hyperextension of the neck.

A type of brace used to support the spine and prevent further damage, particularly after a fracture.

A fracture that occurs in the middle portion of the cervical spine (C3-C7), often caused by compression forces.

The ability of a collar to prevent movement of the cervical spine, providing stability.

A brace that helps resist forward bending of the spine, preventing or correcting kyphosis.

A specific type of hyperextension orthosis designed to counteract anterior column instability.

A type of orthosis similar to the Jewett brace, but with a different design.

A longer, molded brace that provides more comprehensive support for the spine and restricts movement in all directions.

The region of the spine with the greatest range of motion and load-bearing capacity, situated between the more flexible lumbar spine and the rigid structures of the pelvis.

A type of brace designed to support the lumbar spine, typically used after surgery or for patients with weak bones or who prefer additional support.

A rigid brace that provides support for the lumbar spine, similar to a TLSO but shorter, and is commonly used for fractures at L2, L3, and L4 levels.

An orthosis designed to control motion in both the sagittal and coronal planes of the lumbar spine, providing a more comprehensive support.

A variation of the Chairback orthosis with additional lateral bars for improved coronal control, used for scoliosis or other conditions that require more lateral support.

A three-dimensional spinal deformity characterized by sideways curvature of the vertebral bodies and rotation of the vertebrae.

A type of scoliosis that develops without a known cause, usually presents during childhood or adolescence, and is typically managed with spinal orthoses.

Specialized braces used for managing scoliosis. They provide support and control the progression of the curvature.

A curvature and rotational deformity of the spine that develops during growth. It can occur in the upper thoracic, thoracic, thoracolumbosacral, or lumbar spine, or a combination of these.

The curve with abnormal growth in AIS.

A second curve in the opposite direction of the primary curve. It helps to center the head over the pelvis.

A type of brace used for AIS, consisting of a pelvic section and an attached superstructure with metal uprights.

A component of the Milwaukee brace that helps reduce lumbar lordosis (inward curve of the lower back).

The upper part of the Milwaukee brace, attached to a neck ring, which provides control and alignment.

A type of brace used for AIS, known for its low-profile design and modular components.

A brace that fits under the arms and controls the alignment of the thoracolumbosacral spine.