From the Guidelines
A cervical orthosis (C-O) is a medical device designed to support, stabilize, and limit movement of the cervical spine (neck), commonly prescribed for patients with neck injuries, after cervical spine surgery, or for those with conditions causing neck instability or pain. These devices are crucial in preventing harmful movements, reducing pain, promoting healing, and maintaining proper alignment of the cervical vertebrae, as highlighted in studies such as 1 and 1. Cervical orthoses come in various forms, ranging from soft foam collars that provide minimal support to rigid braces that significantly restrict movement.
Types of Cervical Orthoses
- Soft collars are typically used for mild neck strains or as comfort devices
- More rigid orthoses like the Philadelphia collar, Miami J collar, or Aspen collar provide greater immobilization for more serious conditions such as fractures or after surgical fusion
- The primary purpose of these devices is to prevent harmful movements, reduce pain, promote healing, and maintain proper alignment of the cervical vertebrae, as noted in 1
Importance of Proper Use
Patients should follow their healthcare provider's instructions regarding wearing time and proper fitting, as improper use can lead to muscle weakness, skin irritation, or inadequate immobilization, a concern also raised in 1. The use of cervical orthoses is a critical aspect of managing cervical spine injuries, and their effectiveness in reducing morbidity and mortality, and improving quality of life, is supported by the evidence from studies such as 1 and 1.
Key Considerations
- Cervical spine injury can have significant implications for an individual's functional capacity and quality of life, as discussed in 1
- The presence of a severe head injury increases the relative risk of a cervical spine injury, as noted in 1
- Proper clearance of the cervical spine is essential to prevent secondary neurological injury, as highlighted in 1 and 1
From the Research
Definition and Purpose of Cervical Orthosis (C-O)
- A cervical orthosis (C-O) is a device used to immobilize and support the cervical spine, which is the part of the spine in the neck region 2.
- Cervical orthoses are commonly used for extrication, transportation, and definitive immobilization for cervical trauma patients 3.
- The primary purpose of a C-O is to restrict motion in the cervical spine, thereby providing stability and support to the injured or affected area 4, 5, 6.
Types of Cervical Orthoses
- There are various types of cervical orthoses available, including cervical collars, cervicothoracic orthoses, and Minerva cervicothoracic orthoses 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- Each type of orthosis has its own advantages and limitations, and the choice of orthosis depends on the specific clinical problem or injury being treated 2, 4, 6.
Effectiveness of Cervical Orthoses
- Studies have shown that cervical orthoses can significantly reduce motion in the cervical spine, although the degree of reduction varies depending on the type of orthosis and the specific injury or condition being treated 3, 4, 5, 6.
- Cervicothoracic orthoses are generally more effective at limiting motion than cervical collars, and some orthoses are better at controlling specific types of motion, such as flexion or rotation 4, 6.
- However, cervical orthoses may not be effective in immobilizing an unstable cervical spine injury, and further study is needed to develop other immobilization techniques that can adequately stabilize an injured, unstable cervical spine 3.