Evaluation of the effectiveness of the Minerva cervicothoracic orthosis.

Abstract

This study evaluated a lightweight Minerva cervicothoracic orthosis with an occipital flare and forehead strap. The orthosis was evaluated for its ability to immobilize the cervical spine in normal healthy volunteers. 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. 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. 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. This orthosis provides good control of the cervical spine below C1.