Comparison of Cervical Motion Restriction and Interface Pressure Between Two Cervical Collars

Cervical orthoses are used to restrict motion for the purpose of preventing spinal instability following trauma or pre- and post-surgery or to protect from pain. Modern cervical orthoses are able to effectively restrict motion of the head however load is concentrated on areas of occipital tissue and may, with long term wear, lead to tissue breakdown in the form of pressure ulcers. Previous research has shown that the Miami J collar (Össur Americas Foothill Ranch, CA) effectively reduced cervical movement while providing superior pressure relief. As new cervical orthoses are developed and become commercially available it is useful to examine their performance in comparison to existing well-tested devices. DJO Global (Vista, CA) have recently developed a cervical collar. The purpose of this study is to compare the ability of this newly developed collar to restrict cervical range of motion while at the same time limit the tissue interface pressure exerted by the collar on patients when they are in an upright seated or supine position Data will be collected in a fully equipped 3D motion analysis laboratory. Cervical range of motion will be tracked and analyzed. Interface pressures between the head and collar will be measured using custom pressure mats.