Apparatus and method for spinal distraction
View Patent ↗A method of using and assembling a device configured to treat a spine of a patient is provided. The method of assembling includes providing a support member configured to be connected to a torso of a patient and coupling an actuator mechanism to the support member, the actuator mechanism configured to distract a spine of the patient relative to the torso by extending in a generally superior direction relative to the support member.
1. A method of assembling a device configured to treat a spine of a patient, said method comprising:
providing a support member configured to be connected to a torso of a patient; and
coupling an actuator mechanism to the support member, the actuator mechanism configured to distract a spine of the patient relative to the torso by extending in a generally superior direction relative to the support member, and
coupling a back support to the actuator mechanism, the back support configured to support at least a portion of a neck.
2. A method in accordance with claim 1 , further comprising coupling a chin support to the actuator mechanism, the chin support configured to support at least a portion of the chin.
3. A method in accordance with claim 1 , further comprising coupling a control to the actuator mechanism, the control configured to adjust distraction of the spine.
4. A method in accordance with claim 3 , wherein coupling a control to the actuator mechanism further comprises coupling a control that is adjustable by the patient when wearing the device.
5. A method in accordance with claim 3 , wherein coupling a control to the actuator mechanism further comprises coupling at least one knob to the actuator mechanism.
6. A method in accordance with claim 1 , wherein coupling an actuator mechanism further comprises coupling an actuator mechanism configured to tilt forward and backward about an axis aligned substantially in a medial-lateral orientation to the support member.
7. A method in accordance with claim 1 , wherein coupling an actuator mechanism further comprises coupling an actuator mechanism configured to at least one of flex and extend a portion of a neck of a patient.
8. A method in accordance with claim 1 , further comprising coupling a gear to the actuator mechanism, the gear configured to adjust a distance between the torso support and the chin support.
9. A method in accordance with claim 1 , further comprising coupling a gear to the actuator mechanism, the gear configured to adjust a distance between the torso support and the back support.
10. A method of using a device configured to treat a spine of a patient, said method comprising:
coupling a support member to a torso of a patient, the support member coupled to an actuator mechanism for distracting a spine of the patient relative to the torso,
coupling a back support to the actuator mechanism, the back support configured to support at least a portion of a neck; and
distracting the spine by moving at least a portion of a chin of a patient with a chin support coupled to the actuator mechanism.
11. A method in accordance with claim 10 , wherein distracting the spine further comprises extending the actuator mechanism in a generally superior direction relative to the support member.
12. A method in accordance with claim 10 , wherein distracting the spine further comprises tilting the actuator mechanism about an axis aligned substantially in a medial-lateral orientation to the support member.
13. A method in accordance with claim 10 , wherein coupling a support member further comprises engaging the shoulders of the patient with the support member.
14. A method of using a device configured to treat a spine of a patient, said method comprising:
coupling a support member to a torso of a patient, the support member coupled to an actuator mechanism for distracting a spine of the patient relative to the torso; and
distracting the spine by moving at least a portion of a neck of a patient with a back support coupled to the actuator mechanism.
15. A method in accordance with claim 14 , wherein distracting the spine further comprises extending the actuator mechanism in a generally superior direction relative to the support member.
16. A method in accordance with claim 14 , wherein distracting the spine further comprises tilting the actuator mechanism about an axis aligned substantially in a medial-lateral orientation to the support member.
17. A method in accordance with claim 14 , wherein coupling a support member further comprises engaging the shoulders of the patient with the support member.