Lecture 5: Spine Orthoses Flashcards
major functions of spine orthoses
- limit motion to reduce pain, protect unstable segments, and facilitate healing
- support trunk/neck to reduce loads
- correct or limit progression of deformity
- remind user to maintain appropriate posture
soft vs rigid spine orthoses
soft
- made from fabrics, elastic, neoprene
- may have rigid elements to add support
- i.e. corsets or belts
rigid
- made from polyethylene or other plastics
- single piece or multiple pieces attached with straps
effectiveness of spine orthoses relies on
points of application
- at least 3
- direction and magnitude of forces
device fit
compliance
how is transverse plane motion controlled with spine orthoses
need 4 point pressure system
immobilization challenges with spine orthoses
extremely mobile joint complex with multiple planes
little body surface available for contact
- high incidence of skin breakdown (occiput/chin)
- pressure related pain common (clavicles, chin)
- hygiene issues limit comfort (shaving)
negative effects of spine orthoses
axial mm atrophy secondary to diseases
immobilization can promote contracture or ROM limits
excess pressure, irritation, and moisture can lead to skin breakdown
psychological dependency
normal spine motion
occiput/C1 = primarily flx/ext
C1-C2 = primarily RT
C2-C7 = flex/ext, lateral flx, and RT
T spine = greater RT than L/S
describe soft cervical orthoses
prefabricated
do not limit C/S motion
ineffective for providing protection or stabilization for acute and chronic WAD or other mechanical disorders
describe semi rigid cervical orthoses
prefabricated
used to stabilize spine post trauma (hole in neck for tracheostomy)
provide general support but not rigid immobilization
- control flexion better than extension
- least effective controlling frontal plane and transverse plane motion
when is use of cervical collars NOT supported post sx
s/p anterior or posterior discectomy and fusion
are cervical orthoses recommended post WAD
no
are COs recommended post trauma
no
CO indications for cervical fxs
semi-rigid
NecLoc CO better at controlling ROM than Philadelphia and Aspen Collars
are COs indicated for neck pain with radiating pain
yes
short term use of CO
what is grade III neck pain and does this indicate use of CO
defined as neck pain with:
- sensory S&S in arm
- limited/painful ROM
- motor disturbances such as UE weakness
CO can be used for pain reduction; should be used sparingly (only for short periods per day and only for a few weeks)
CO complications
skin breakdown (occiput, chin, mandible, ears, shoulders, Adam’s apple, sternum)
- increased risk if edema is present
limits with swallowing, coughing, breathing, and vomiting; could aspirate
general immobility
increased ICP
psychological dependence
what is a CTO
provide greater restriction of segmental and regional motion, especially at lower C/S
more effective than COs at controlling frontal and transverse plane motion
describe post type CTO
more restrictive and cooler than collar
more difficult to don/doff
2 and 4 post control flx/ext well
4 post are better at controlling frontal and transverse plane motion
describe sternal occipital mandibular immobilizer (SOMI)
3 post
no posterior thoracic plate
- more comfy for pts in supine
- pt likely not permitted to be upright without orthotic
indicated for those with instability at or above C4
most effective controlling flexion C1-C3
least effective at controlling ext
uses for Halo orthoses
to create traction (uni or bilateral)
reduce cervical dislocation
cervical fx with or without SCI
gold standard for upper C/S immobilization of frontal and transverse plane