Cervical distraction device

Abstract

A cervical traction device includes a base, a cervical force application member, and a motor operably attached to the cervical force application member. The motor preferably drives the cervical application member through a direct drive system in order to provide a force to a person's cervical vertebra. The cervical traction device may also include a linear actuator for elevating the person's head to direct the force applied to the cervical vertebra. When integrated on a vertebral distraction machine, the cervical traction device includes its own motor for applying force to the cervical vertebra.

1 . A cervical traction device comprising: 
 a base;    a cervical force application member movable relative to the base;    a motor operably attached to the cervical force application member by a direct drive system for applying a force to a person's head.    
   
   
       2 . A cervical traction device according to  claim 1  further comprising an electrical connector electrically connected to the motor for receiving a signal to control operation of the motor to drive the cervical force application member.  
   
   
       3 . A cervical traction device according to  claim 1 , wherein the motor is a stepper motor.  
   
   
       4 . A cervical traction device according to  claim 1 , wherein the motor is a servo motor.  
   
   
       5 . A cervical traction device according to  claim 1  further comprising a linear actuator for elevating the cervical force application member.  
   
   
       6 . A cervical traction device according to  claim 1  further comprising: 
 a linear actuator for elevating the cervical force application member; and    wherein the linear actuator is capable of elevating the cervical force application member between 0 and 30 degrees from the base.    
   
   
       7 . A cervical traction device according to  claim 1 , wherein the direct drive system is a screw drive system.  
   
   
       8 . A cervical traction device according to  claim 1 , wherein: 
 the direct drive system is a screw drive system and further comprises:    a threaded shaft operably connected to the motor and rotatably responsive to output by the motor; and    a screw transfer member threadingly received on the threaded shaft and rigidly connected to the cervical force application member.    
   
   
       9 . A cervical traction device according to  claim 1  further comprising a strain gauge connected to the motor for monitoring the force applied to the cervical force application member.  
   
   
       10 . A cervical traction device according to  claim 1 , wherein the cervical force application member further comprises: 
 a cranial support plate; and    a pair of occiput posts adjustably mounted to the cranial support plate.    
   
   
       11 . A cervical traction device according to  claim 1  further comprising: 
 a track member rigidly connected to the base;    at least one bearing slidingly connected to the track member;    wherein the cervical force application member further includes:    a cranial support plate rigidly connected to the bearing; and    a pair of occiput posts adjustably mounted to the cranial support plate.