Apparatus and method for spinal distraction

Abstract

A device and a method of using and assembling a device configured to treat a spine of a patient are provided. The method of assembling includes providing a support article configured to be connected to a torso of a patient, wherein the support article includes a front portion and a back portion, connecting a support member to the support article, and connecting an actuator mechanism to the support member, the actuator mechanism configured to extend in a generally superior direction relative to the support member to distract a spine of the patient relative to the torso.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of assembling a device configured to treat a spine of a patient, said method comprising:
 providing a support member configured to be connected to a torso of a patient; and   coupling an actuator mechanism to the support member, the actuator mechanism configured to distract a spine of the patient relative to the torso by extending in a generally superior direction relative to the support member.   
     
     
         2 . A method in accordance with  claim 1 , further comprising coupling a chin support to the actuator mechanism, the chin support configured to support at least a portion of the chin. 
     
     
         3 . A method in accordance with  claim 1 , further comprising coupling a back support to the actuator mechanism, the back support configured to support a least a portion of a neck. 
     
     
         4 . A method in accordance with  claim 1 , further comprising coupling a control to the actuator mechanism, the control configured to adjust distraction of the spine. 
     
     
         5 . A method in accordance with  claim 4 , wherein coupling a control to the actuator mechanism further comprises coupling a control that is adjustable by the patient when wearing the device. 
     
     
         6 . A method in accordance with  claim 4 , wherein coupling a control to the actuator mechanism further comprises coupling at least one knob to the actuator mechanism. 
     
     
         7 . A method in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein coupling an actuator mechanism further comprises coupling an actuator mechanism configured to tilt forward and backward about an axis aligned substantially in a medial-lateral orientation to the support member. 
     
     
         8 . A method in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein coupling an actuator mechanism further comprises coupling an actuator mechanism configured to at least one of flex and extend a portion of a neck of a patient. 
     
     
         9 . A method in accordance with  claim 1 , further comprising coupling a gear to the actuator mechanism, the gear configured to adjust a distance between the torso support and the chin support. 
     
     
         10 . A method in accordance with  claim 1 , further comprising coupling a gear to the actuator mechanism, the gear configured to adjust a distance between the torso support and the back support. 
     
     
         11 . A method of using a device configured to treat a spine of a patient, said method comprising:
 coupling a support member to a torso of a patient, the support member coupled to an actuator mechanism for distracting a spine of the patient relative to the torso; and   distracting the spine by moving at least a portion of a chin of a patient with a chin support coupled to the actuator mechanism.   
     
     
         12 . A method in accordance with  claim 11 , wherein distracting the spine further comprises extending the actuator mechanism in a generally superior direction relative to the support member. 
     
     
         13 . A method in accordance with  claim 11 , wherein distracting the spine further comprises extending the actuator mechanism in a generally superior direction relative to the support member. 
     
     
         14 . A method in accordance with  claim 11 , wherein distracting the spine further comprises tilting the actuator mechanism about an axis aligned substantially in a medial-lateral orientation to the support member 
     
     
         15 . A method in accordance with  claim 11 , wherein coupling a support member further comprises engaging the shoulders of the patient with the support member. 
     
     
         16 . A method of using a device configured to treat a spine of a patient, said method comprising:
 coupling a support member to a torso of a patient, the support member coupled to an actuator mechanism for distracting a spine of the patient relative to the torso; and   distracting the spine by moving at least a portion of a neck of a patient with a back support coupled to the actuator mechanism.   
     
     
         17 . A method in accordance with  claim 16 , wherein distracting the spine further comprises extending the actuator mechanism in a generally superior direction relative to the support member. 
     
     
         18 . A method in accordance with  claim 16 , wherein distracting the spine further comprises extending the actuator mechanism in a generally superior direction relative to the support member. 
     
     
         19 . A method in accordance with  claim 16 , wherein distracting the spine further comprises tilting the actuator mechanism about an axis aligned substantially in a medial-lateral orientation to the support member 
     
     
         20 . A method in accordance with  claim 16 , wherein coupling a support member further comprises engaging the shoulders of the patient with the support member.