Spinal orthotics

Question 1

Purpose of soft collar

Answer 1

• Kinesthetic awareness
• Limits 10% of motion in all planes
• Not meant to provide a lot of support

Question 2

Purpose of rigid cervical collar

Answer 2

• Restrict cervical motion due to instability or fracture
• Most are not effective in restricting C1-C2 rotation

Question 3

Purpose of cervical thoracic orthosis (CTO)

Answer 3

• Restrict cervical movement more than C-collar
• Addition of thoracic component increases stability/points of contact
• Deeper chin support limits C1-C2 rotation

Question 4

Which orthosis restricts C1-C2 motion the best?

Answer 4

• CTO with halo
• Pins screwed into skull to keep motion of the head stable on trunk

Question 5

When can a C-collar be taken off?

Answer 5

Only taken off or discontinued with orders from MD responsible for thec-spine

Question 6

What spinal fracture is considered stable?

Answer 6

• Anterior column only
• Anterior and middle combined are unstable
• posterior column is considered unstable

Question 7

Main purpose of cruciform anterior spinal hyperextension (CASH)?

Answer 7

• Limit thoracic flexion at T6-L1
• Allow hyperext.
• Meant for compression fx in ant. column

Question 8

Main purpose of Jewett TLSO

Answer 8

• Limit thoracic flexion at T6-L1
• Meant for compression fx in ant. column
• Limited restriction of lateral bending or lumbar rotation

Question 9

Main purpose of plastic body jacket (turtle)

Answer 9

• Meant for unstable fx (with or without surgical intervention)
• Limits flex and ext.
• More effective in limiting side bending and rotation
• May provide some increase intra-cavitary pressure to unweight spinal segments