Cervical / Neck Orthosis
If you require cervical spine surgery, or if you've experienced trauma or injury to your neck, you may need to wear a neck brace. Neck braces are among the most common of all spinal braces. There are many kinds of neck braces, and the most common ones are outlined below.
Neck braces, which are also called collars, serve a variety of purposes. They can stabilize your neck after cervical spine surgery, or they can provide non-surgical relief if you've experienced trauma or injury to your neck.
Soft and Hard Collars
Soft collars are flexible and made of polyurethane foam rubber. These collars are easily wrapped around the neck and secured with Velcro. Soft collars are usually worn after wearing a more rigid collar, so most of the healing will be complete by the time you begin wearing a soft collar. The main purpose of a soft collar is to help you gradually transition to not wearing a brace.
Hard collars look similar to soft collars, but they are made of a hard polyethylene material. These collars may provide support and pain relief for a variety of spinal conditions, including cervical spondylosis and acute neck pain.
Cervical Soft Collar
The Cervical Soft Collar is a medium density soft foam collar with vinyl stabilising panel that helps support the cervical spine in the neutral position. Cotton stockinette cover for better patient hygiene. Latex free. Ideal for post-operative rehabilitation or sprains and strains.
Aspen Vista
Aspen Vista® Brace is known as the superior c-spine immobiliser through multiple independent studies, the Vista brace design meets the specialised needs of all those afflicted with cervical injuries. The brace features that enhance compliance and help speed recovery while ensuring immobilisation, inhibition of skin breakdown and patient comfort. Helping to speed recovery by providing maximum immobilisation of the injured area, it also minimises skin breakdown and patient discomfort, thus resulting in optimal patient compliance. It provides more control than a collar alone can provide. The innovative designed device treats cervical and high-thoracic injuries.
Philadelphia Collar
A Philadelphia collar is a stiff foam collar composed of two pieces that are attached on the sides with Velcro.
The upper portion of the Philadelphia collar supports the lower jaw and the brace extends down to cover the upper thoracic spine. This collar covers more area than a soft or hard collar, so it puts greater restrictions on your range of motion.
The Philadelphia collar is often prescribed after cervical spine surgery to promote a healthy recovery, because it is so effective at limiting movement. It's also commonly used to stabilize minor cervical spinal fractures and reduce pain associated with muscle strain in the neck.
Halo Bracing
A halo device is the most rigid of all neck braces. It prevents the head and neck from moving, and it may be necessary to immobilize the spine after a major cervical spine procedure or to stabilize fractures in the cervical and / or thoracic regions.
Halo bracing is a form of spinal traction. Traction essentially pulls your spine in two different directions. This tension helps reduce the abnormal curvature associated with some spinal conditions, including scoliosis.
A halo brace features a metal ring that is secured to your head using metal pins. The ring is then connected to 4 bars that are attached to a heavy vest (the weights of halo vests vary). You will wear the halo brace at all times until you are healed.
Sterno-occipital-mandibular ImmobilizationDevice (SOMI)
A sterno-occipital-mandibular immobilization device (SOMI) is a rigid cervical brace that positions your neck in straight alignment with your spine. This brace supports your neck by preventing your head and neck from moving. This level of immobility will allow the damaged structures in your neck to heal faster.
This rigid brace has a front chest plate, along with bars that go over the shoulder. The brace is secured with straps on the bars that attach to opposite sides of the front chest plate. There are no bars that go along your back. The SOMI brace also has a removable chin piece and optional headpiece for added support.
The SOMI brace may be used as a treatment for a severe neck injury or for cervical pain caused by a chronic condition, such as rheumatoid arthritis. It may also be prescribed as a recovery aid after cervical spine surgery.
Pneu-trac Traction Collar
The Pneu-trac Traction Collar is a comfortable, lighweight, semi-rigid polyethylene construction. A two piece design allows for varying hight adjustments and is an easy applied orthosis that goes a step beyond the traditional over door traction device. An inflatable collar provides distraction of the cervical spine. Patients can vary air pressure to fit their diagnosis. It has a velcro closure.
Centurion Collar
The Centurion Collar has adjustable height and neck circumference, air holes for ventilation and is constructed of polyethylene with vinyl covered foam padding. It has a velcro closure. There is a hinge in the bottom perimeter and bias slots under the occiput, when collar is lowered the chin automatically becomes wider.
Polypad Collar
The Polypad Collar gives support and stabilisation in any position for extension to neutral. It is contoured to follow occipital and mandibular lines. Plastic provides a more rigid design. Foam padding gives extra comfort.