Reduction in head and intervertebral motion provided by 7 contemporary cervical orthoses in 45 individuals.
METHODS
Biomechanical evaluation of cervical orthoses.


OBJECTIVE
To provide data to help clinicians select an orthosis for immobilization of the adult cervical spine.


BACKGROUND
There are limited data on the effectiveness of cervical orthoses at restricting intervertebral motion, and many of the commonly used, contemporary braces have not been evaluated. Additionally, no data exist comparing the effectiveness of braces in the supine versus the upright position. New technology is available to measure intervertebral motion with greater accuracy.


METHODS
Overall range of motion of the head in 3 planes as well as intervertebral motion in the sagittal plane were measured in 45 healthy adult volunteers while wearing 7 cervical orthoses. Subject-reported comfort of each brace was also recorded.


RESULTS
All braces significantly reduced intervertebral motion. Effectiveness and comfort varied between braces. In general, orthoses could be grouped as cervical braces or cervicothoracic braces. The latter was consistently better at limiting motion, with some differences within these groups as well.


CONCLUSIONS
These data will help to guide the clinician in selecting the appropriate cervical orthosis for their adult patient based on comfort, morphologic considerations, and degree of immobilization required.
Schneider
Adam M
AM
Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
Hipp
John A
JA
Nguyen
Lyndon
L
Reitman
Charles A
CA
D000328:Adult; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D019416:Head Movements / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007403:Intervertebral Disc / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009989:Orthotic Devices / Q000592:standards; D011187:Posture / Q000502:physiology