Multi-axis cervical and lumbar traction table

Abstract

A multi-axis cervical and lumbar traction table and method of using same. The traction table includes a support frame with a first body supporting portion and a second body supporting portion. The first body supporting portion is moveable relative to the second body supporting portion along a longitudinal axis. A high friction surface is optionally used to secure a patient to at least one of the first and second body supporting portions. Linking mechanism is adapted to move the first body supporting portion along a path relative to the second body supporting portion, wherein the path comprises at least one rotational degree of freedom.

1 . A therapeutic apparatus for a patient comprising: 
 a support frame including a first body supporting portion and a second body supporting portion, the first body supporting portion moveable relative to the second body supporting portion along a longitudinal axis;    a first actuator adapted to move the first body supporting portion relative to the second body supporting portion along the longitudinal axis;    a securing system comprising a high friction surface on at least one of the body supporting portions sufficient to secure a patient to such body supporting portion during therapeutic treatment; and    a linkage mechanism adapted to move the first body supporting portion along a path relative to the second body portion, the path comprising at least one rotational degree of freedom, wherein the first actuator is adapted to move the first body supporting portion along the longitudinal axis without interfering with movement of the first body supporting portion along the path comprising at least one rotational degree of freedom.    
     
     
         2 . The therapeutic apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the securing system further comprises a first belt attachable to the first body supporting portion and adapted to secure the patient to the first body supporting portion.  
     
     
         3 . The therapeutic apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the securing system further comprises a second belt attachable to the second body supporting portion and adapted to secure the patient to the second body supporting portion.  
     
     
         4 . The therapeutic apparatus of  claim 1  comprising at least one locking mechanism adapted to releasably retain the first body supporting portion in a plurality of locations along the path relative to the second body supporting portion.  
     
     
         5 . The therapeutic apparatus of  claim 4  comprising at least one locking mechanism for each rotational degree of freedom.  
     
     
         6 . The therapeutic apparatus of  claim 1  comprising a processor programmed to determine an adjusted traction force based on patient parameters.  
     
     
         7 . The therapeutic apparatus of  claim 1  comprising a processor programmed to receive the weight of the portion of the patient's body supported by the first body supporting portion and an angle between the first body supporting portion and horizontal, the processor being programmed to determine an adjusted traction force.  
     
     
         8 . A therapeutic apparatus for a patient comprising: 
 a support frame including a first body supporting portion and a second body supporting portion, the first body supporting portion moveable relative to the second body supporting portion along a longitudinal axis;    at least a first actuator adapted to move the first body supporting portion relative to the second body supporting portion along the longitudinal axis;    a securing system comprising a high friction surface on at least one of the body supporting portions adapted to secure a patient to such body supporting portion during therapeutic treatment;    a linkage mechanism adapted to move the first body supporting portion along a path relative to the second body portion, the linkage mechanism comprises a roll mechanism, a pitch mechanism, and a yaw mechanism comprising at least three rotational degrees of freedom; and    wherein the first actuator is adapted to move the first body supporting portion along the longitudinal axis without interfering with movement of the first body supporting portion along the path comprising the rotational degrees of freedom.    
     
     
         9 . The therapeutic apparatus of  claim 8  wherein the securing system further comprises a first belt attachable to the first body supporting portion and adapted to secure the patient to the first body supporting portion and a second belt attachable to the second body supporting portion and adapted to secure the patient to the second body supporting portion.  
     
     
         10 . The therapeutic apparatus of  claim 8  comprising: 
 a second actuator adapted to displace a portion of the therapeutic apparatus; and    a single power source connected to the first and second actuators.    
     
     
         11 . The therapeutic apparatus of  claim 8  comprising: 
 a second actuator adapted to move a head supporting portion of a cervical traction device relative to the first body supporting portion; and    a single power source connected to the first and second actuators.    
     
     
         12 . The therapeutic apparatus of  claim 8  comprising: 
 a head supporting portion moveable relative to the second body supporting portion; and    a pair of neck wedges adapted to retain a patient's head to the head supporting portion.    
     
     
         13 . The therapeutic apparatus of  claim 8  comprising at least one locking mechanism adapted to releasably retain the first body supporting portion in a plurality of locations along the path relative to the second body supporting portion.  
     
     
         14 . The therapeutic apparatus of  claim 13  wherein the at least one locking mechanism is continuously adjustable.  
     
     
         15 . The therapeutic apparatus of  claim 13  comprising at least one locking mechanism for each rotational degree of freedom.  
     
     
         16 . The therapeutic apparatus of  claim 8  comprising a processor programmed to receive the weight of the portion of the patient's body supported by the first body supporting portion and an angle between the first body supporting portion and horizontal, the processor being programmed to determine an adjusted traction force.  
     
     
         17 . A therapeutic apparatus for a patient comprising: 
 a support frame including a first body supporting portion and a second body supporting portion, the first body supporting portion moveable relative to the second body supporting portion along a longitudinal axis;    a linking mechanism pivotally securing the first body supporting portion relative to the second body portion such that the first body supporting portion is adapted to move along a path relative to the second body supporting portion, the path comprising at least one rotational degree of freedom comprising pitch movement.    a first actuator adapted to move the first body supporting portion relative to the second body supporting portion along the longitudinal axis;    a second actuator adapted to move the first body supporting portion relative to the second body supporting portion along the at least one rotational degree of freedom comprising pitch movement; and    a securing system comprising a high friction surface on at least one of the body supporting portions adapted to secure a patient to such body supporting portion during therapeutic treatment.    
     
     
         18 . A method of treating back pain in a patient comprising the steps of: 
 providing a therapeutic apparatus having a support frame with a first body supporting portion, a second body supporting portion, and a first actuator adapted to move the first body supporting portion relative to the second body supporting portion along a longitudinal axis;    supporting the patient along the first body supporting portion and the second body supporting portion;    locating the patient on a high friction surface on at least one of the body supporting portions to secure a patient to such body supporting portion during therapeutic treatment;    moving the first body supporting portion along a path relative to the second body supporting portion, the path comprising at least one rotational degree of freedom; and    activating the actuator to move the first body supporting portion relative to the second body supporting portion along the longitudinal axis to affect the distance between the first body supporting portion and the second body supporting portion without interfering with the step of moving the first body supporting portion along the path comprising at least one rotational degree of freedom.    
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18  comprising securing at least a portion of the patient's body to one of the body supporting portions with a belt.