title: Study of low-temperature thermoplastic modified custom-molded cervical orthosis for cervical spine fixation.
abstract: The purpose of this experiment is to use a low-temperature thermoplastic material (Aquaplast) to make a modified custom-molded cervical orthosis. Sixteen normal young subjects who do not have previous cervical problems are tested in this study. This modified orthosis is applied on these volunteers so that external fixation of the cervical spine can be tested. Various roentgenograms for cervical flexion and extension, as well as neutral position and lateral bending, are taken to determine the fixation property of the cervical spine. A study of rotation of the cervical spine is also carried out through goniometer measurements. This clinical study proves that this low-temperature thermoplastic cervical orthosis provides good fixation for the cervical spine, especially in flexion and rotation, but is not suitable for C1- and C2-injured patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, R.O.C.
authors.forename: Y C
authors.initials: YC
authors.lastname: Lau
authors.forename: R K
authors.initials: RK
authors.lastname: Chang
authors.forename: Y C
authors.initials: YC
authors.lastname: Cheng
authors.forename: G L
authors.initials: GL
authors.lastname: Chang
authors.forename: Y L
authors.initials: YL
authors.lastname: Chou
authors.forename: C P
authors.initials: CP
authors.lastname: Leong
authors.forename: M K
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Wong
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001915:Braces; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010969:Plastics; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000628:therapy; D013696:Temperature
chemical_list: D010969:Plastics