Evaluation of the effectiveness of the Minerva cervicothoracic orthosis.
METHODS
This study evaluated a lightweight Minerva cervicothoracic orthosis with an occipital flare and forehead strap.


OBJECTIVE
The orthosis was evaluated for its ability to immobilize the cervical spine in normal healthy volunteers.


BACKGROUND
Previous studies have been performed to evaluate cervical orthoses. Exception for the halo brace, none have controlled the upper cervical spine very well. The brace tested in the present report incorporates an occipital flare and forehead strap to better control the upper cervical spine.


METHODS
Sixteen healthy male volunteers were evaluated in and out of the orthosis in three planes of motion. Maximal active cervical flexion, extension, and lateral bending were recorded and measured radiographically. Rotation was measured from overhead photographs.


RESULTS
In a comparison of the present results with those of similar previous studies, improvement in control of flexion/extension of the upper cervical spine and in control of rotation was found. The occiput to C1 level, however, remained poorly controlled.


CONCLUSIONS
This orthosis provides good control of the cervical spine below C1.
Sharpe
K P
KP
Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Southern California School of Medicine, Los Angeles, USA.
Rao
S
S
Ziogas
A
A
D001915:Braces; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000502:physiology; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D006801:Humans; D007103:Immobilization; D007596:Joints / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D009068:Movement / Q000502:physiology; D009333:Neck / Q000502:physiology; D009989:Orthotic Devices; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae / Q000502:physiology