Patent Publication Number: US-2012024295-A1

Title: Orthopedic device

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Headache pain and/or neck pain has been plaguing the human population throughout history. As is known within the medical field, and more specifically within the field of orthopedics, the causes of headache pain and/or upper neck pain can generally be substantially attributable to misalignment and/or disorientation of the skull or head with respect to the cervical spine, in at least a portion of cases. 
     Medical research into the causes and treatment of headache and/or upper neck pain due to such misalignment and/or disorientation has led to the development of one or more orthopedic therapy techniques and treatments intended to alleviate or relieve such pain. One such method is described in Kaufman, D. C., Stephen. “How to Relieve a Headache in Seconds on One Patient after Another!.”  The American Chiropractor  April 2009: 34-36. Print. While the prior art is replete with apparatus for assisting in spinal traction (e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 4,832,007), orthopedic pillows for supporting the head and spine during sleep (e.g., U.S. Published Patent Applications Nos. 2001/0029630 and 2006/0123549), and apparatus for making spinal adjustments (e.g., U.S. Published Patent Applications No. 2009/0222989), none of the prior art devices are specifically configured to alleviate headaches in the user according to the method described by Kaufman. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of the device described herein. 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the device described herein. 
         FIG. 3  is a side view of an exemplary device and a partial view of a patient, with the patient depicted in an initial stage of an exemplary treatment according to one embodiment described herein. 
         FIG. 4  is a side view of the exemplary device of  FIG. 3  and a partial view of a patient, with the patient depicted in a final stage of an exemplary treatment according to one embodiment described herein. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     With reference to the drawing figures included herewith,  FIG. 1  is an isometric view in which a device  100  is shown in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The device  100  can generally be described as an orthopedic device. More specifically, the device  100  can be described as an orthopedic device for treatment of headaches and the like in human patients. As is described in greater detail herein below, a typical use of the device  100  is to aid in, or to enable, treatment of headache pain or the like by at least partially supporting a patient&#39;s head, and/or by causing movement of a patient&#39;s head relative to the patient&#39;s spine, while the patient is in a substantially reclined or supine position. 
     The device  100 , in accordance with the exemplary embodiment thereof depicted in  FIG. 1 , is substantially in the form of a shaped body. The body  100  has a lower surface  101 . The lower surface can be substantially flat and/or planar. The lower surface  101  can have a substantially rectilinear outline, as shown. The body  100  can have an upper surface  102 . The upper surface is distal from the lower surface  101 . Specifically, the upper surface  102  can be in substantial juxtaposed orientation with respect to the lower surface  101 . The upper surface  102  can have one or more conformational surface features. For example, the upper surface  102  can have a substantially concave depression  103 . The depression  103  can be in the form of a trough, as shown. The upper surface  102  can have a substantially convex protrusion  104 . The protrusion  104  can be substantially in the form of a ridge. The trough  103  and the ridge  104  can be substantially parallel to one another in accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the device  100 , as shown. As is evident from a study of  FIG. 1 , an uppermost portion of the protrusion  104  is more distal from the lower surface  101  than the lowermost portion of the depression  103 . One or more surfaces of the protrusion  104 , such as for example the profile of the protrusion, can be described by, but not limited to, at least one of a circular segment, a segment of an ellipse, a hyperbolic arch, a catenary arch, and a segment of an irregular geometric ovoid form. 
     The body  100  includes a plurality of side surfaces such as a first side surface  111  and a second side surface  112 , which extend between the lower surface  101  and the upper surface  102 . In accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the device  100  depicted in  FIG. 1 , other examples of side surfaces include a front surface  113  and a rear surface  114 . Each of the front surface  113  and the rear surface  114  extend between the lower surface  101  and the upper surface  102 . The first side surface  111  is in offset juxtaposed orientation with respect to the second side surface  112 . The first side surface  111  and the second side surface  112  each extend between the front surface  103  and the rear surface  104 . Each of the side surfaces  111 ,  112  can be substantially flat or planar as shown. In accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the device  100 , the front surface  113  and the rear surface  114  are in offset juxtaposed relation with respect to one another, as shown. 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 1 , it is evident that the protrusion  104  can be at least substantially proximate to at least one side surface  111 ,  112 . The exemplary embodiment of the body  100  depicted in  FIG. 1  is configured in a manner wherein the protrusion  104  is proximate to the front surface  113 . In a similar manner, the depression  103  can be at least substantially proximate to at least one side surface  111 ,  112 . As can be seen from the depiction of the exemplary embodiment of the device  100  of  FIG. 1 , the depression  103  can be proximate to the rear surface  114 . 
     Further study of  FIG. 1  reveals that the body  100  can include a stabilizer or stabilizer portion  123 . As is more apparent from a reading of description of the device provided herein below, the stabilizer  123  can be adapted to resist tipping of the body  100  while the body is in use. The stabilizer  123  can be configured to extend substantially outwardly from at least one side surface (e.g., front surface  113 ) of the body  100 . The at least one side surface from which the stabilizer  123  extends is substantially adjacent to the protrusion  104 , according to at least one embodiment of the device  100 . According to the exemplary embodiment of the device  100  shown in  FIG. 1 , at least a portion of the stabilizer  123  is integral with, or includes at least a portion of, the front surface  113 . As is seen, the body  100  can be configured so that the front surface  113  bulges outwardly near the lower surface  101  to form a type of shoulder that is adapted to resist tipping of the body. That is, the front surface  113  can be shaped to slope generally downwardly and outwardly from the protrusion  104  in order to form the stabilizer  123 . A length of the body  100  can be defined as a distance between the front surface  113  and the rear surface  114 . An exemplary length dimension of the body is 23 centimeters. A width of the body  100  can be defined as a distance between the first side surface  111  and the second side surface  112 . An exemplary width dimension of the body is 20 centimeters. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 1 , the device  100  can include a compliant material  130 . The compliant material is preferably a resilient compliant material. The compliant material  130  is adapted to aid in comfort of the patient substantially at or near a point of contact between the patient&#39;s head or upper neck and the device  100 . Specifically, the compliant material  130  is preferably selected to have a degree of softness sufficient to provide comfort to the patient during use, while also having a degree of stiffness sufficient to provide beneficial therapeutic effect to the patient according to the exemplary procedures described herein below. The compliant material  130  can be adapted to compress within a predetermined range of compression rates. For example, in accordance with one embodiment of the device  100 , the compliant material  130  is adapted to compress not more than about 0.5 inch, and preferably not more than about 0.25 inch, when supporting a patient&#39;s head of average size during use of the device. 
     According to one embodiment of the device  100 , the compliant material  130  can be a separate component affixed to the body  100 . For example, as shown, the compliant material  130  can be substantially in the form of a layer that is affixed to, or otherwise supported on, at least a portion of the upper surface  102 . The compliant material  130  can be affixed to, or otherwise supported on, at least a portion of one or more side surfaces ( 111 ,  112 ,  113 , and/or  114 ) of the body  100 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the compliant material  130  can be supported on the front surface  113 . 
     According to at least one embodiment of the device  100 , the compliant material  130  is a layer padding, such as foam padding, that is affixed to or otherwise supported on the upper surface  102  and the front surface  113 . According to one or more alternative embodiments of the device  100 , the compliant material  130  is substantially integral with the body  100  and/or substantially integral with at least a portion of the upper surface  102  of the body. Specifically, at least a portion of the body  100  can be fabricated from a compliant material  130  according to at least one embodiment of the device. For example, at least a portion of the body  100  that includes the protrusion  104  can be fabricated from the compliant material  130 . 
     The device  100  can include a covering (not shown) adapted to line at least a portion of the upper surface  102 . Such a covering can be, for example, substantially in the form of a vinyl sheet or cloth sheet affixed to, or otherwise supported on, at least a portion of the upper surface  102 . Such a covering can be at least substantially integral with, or at least substantially permanently affixed to, the compliant material  130 . Alternatively, the compliant material  130  can be substantially in the form of a covering such as a padded sheet of vinyl or padded cloth. According to at least one embodiment of the device  100 , the compliant material  130  (and/or a covering as described above) can be removably affixed to the upper surface  102  (e.g., via a hook-and-loop fastening system such as that know by the trade name, Velcro®). In this manner, the compliant material  130  and/or a covering can be removed for washing and/or can be replaced. 
     It is to be understood that one or more of the surfaces described and/or depicted herein can have at least one of a number of various alternative configurations according to various respective alternative embodiments of the device  100 . For example, one or more of the surfaces (for example, but not limited to  101 ,  111 ,  112  and  114 ) can be completely solid, or completely open, or partially open/partially solid. More specifically, for example, at least one surface can be at least substantially in the form of an open plane defined by respective adjoining edges of adjacent surfaces. As an alternative example, at least one surface can define one or more holes, or openings, or apertures. As yet a further example, at least one surface can be substantially made up of, or defined by, one or more elongate elements such as struts or the like. According to at least one embodiment of the device  100 , such elongate elements can be arranged in a lattice or truss or framework or the like. Moreover, according to respective alternative embodiments thereof, the body  100  can be substantially hollow, or substantially solid, or partially hollow/partially solid. According to at least one alternative embodiment of the device  100 , the upper surface  102  is supported by a substantially open support or framework made up of one or more elements such as, but not limited to, elements  101 ,  111 ,  112 , and  114 . In accordance with at least one specific variation of such an alternative embodiment, the upper surface  102  is at least substantially supported by a substantially open space frame. At least one of the elements of the body  100  can be substantially rigid or can be substantially compliant or non-rigid. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 2 , a side elevation view shows an alternative embodiment of the device  100  in accordance with which the compliant material  130  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) is omitted. As is seen from a study of  FIG. 2 , the device  100  of  FIG. 2  can be adapted for substantial contact with a base  99 . According to at least one embodiment of the device  100 , the lower surface  101  thereof is adapted for substantial contact with the base  99 . The base  99  can have at least one of a number of possible specific forms or configurations. For example, the base  99  can be a tabletop or a floor. The device  100  can be adapted to be supported on the base  99  while the device is in use. In accordance with at least one method of using the device  100 , the base  99  is substantially flat and substantially level. An exemplary base  99  is substantially stable and is of sufficient strength to support both the device  100  and a patient (not shown) while the device is employed in treatment of the patient according to one or more manners of use described herein. 
     As is evident from a study of  FIG. 2 , the device  100  can include a weight  210 . In accordance with at least one embodiment of the device  100 , the weight  210  is adapted to resist tipping of the device while the device is in use. Specifically, the weight  210  is configured and/or located with respect to the device  100  so as to aid in keeping the device in an upright orientation as shown in  FIG. 2 , while the device is in use. The weight  210  can have one or more of a number of specific configurations. For example, the weight can have one of a number of possible shapes such as the round or cylindrical shape shown in  FIG. 2 . Other shapes of the weight are within the scope of the one or more inventions described herein. The weight  210  can be a distinct object as is seen from a study of  FIG. 2 . Alternatively, the weight can be at least substantially integrated with another portion and/or part of the device  100 . The weight  210  is located substantially proximate the rear side  114  and/or proximate the lower surface  101  according to the exemplary embodiment of the device  100 . In accordance with at least one embodiment of the device, the weight  210  is located substantially as far as practicable from the front side  113 . 
     With further reference to  FIG. 2 , it is seen that a first elevation dimension  21  is defined between the lower surface  101  of the device  100  and an uppermost portion of the protrusion  104 . A second elevation dimension  22  is defined between the lower surface  101  and a lowermost portion of the depression  103 . Moreover, a third elevation dimension  23  is defined between the uppermost portion of the protrusion  104  and the lowermost portion of the depression  103 . As an alternative manner of description, the third elevation dimension  23  is equal to the difference between the first elevation dimension  21  and the second elevation dimension  22 . 
     Continued reference to  FIG. 2  reveals that the depression  103  can be characterized by a substantially concave radius of curvature  31 . The protrusion  104  can be characterized by a substantially convex radius of curvature  41 . A lateral dimension  51  is defined between the uppermost portion of the protrusion  104  and the lowermost portion of the depression  103 . In accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the device shown in  FIG. 2 , the first elevation dimension  21  and the second elevation dimension  22  are defined along parallel lines of measure. In accordance with at least one embodiment of the device  100 , the first elevation dimension  21  and the second elevation dimension  22  are defined along respective lines of measure that are perpendicular to the lower surface  101 . The lateral dimension  51  is defined along a line of measure that is perpendicular to the first elevation dimension  21  and to the second elevation dimension  22 . 
     Still referring to  FIG. 2 , and according to an exemplary embodiment of the device  100 , a ratio of the first elevation dimension  21  to the second elevation dimension  22  is within a range of about 0.9 to 2.0. The first elevation dimension  21  of the exemplary embodiment is within a range of about 3.5 inches to about 5.0 inches. The second elevation dimension  22  of the exemplary embodiment is within a range of about 2.5 inches to about 4.0 inches. The third elevation dimension  23  of the exemplary device  100  is within a range of about 1.0 inch to about 1.5 inches. The lateral dimension  51  of the exemplary device  100  is within a range of about 2.5 inches to about 4.0 inches. The concave radius of curvature  31  of the exemplary device is within a range of 2.0 inches to about 5.0 inches. The convex radius of curvature  41  of the exemplary device  41  is within a range of about 1.5 inches to about 2.0 inches. 
     With reference to  FIG. 2 , it is to be understood that alternative dimensions are possible other than those specifically provided and/or described. That is, devices characterized by one or more dimensions falling outside of the exemplary ranges provided and/or described herein can still be within the scope of one or more inventions covered by the present disclosure. More specifically, as is described in greater detail herein below, the first elevation dimension  21  and the second elevation dimension  22  are selected according to at least one embodiment of the device to: initially cause an upper portion of a patient&#39;s neck between a lower portion of the patient&#39;s occipital bone and axis and atlas bones at a top of the patient&#39;s spine to be supported substantially by the protrusion  104  so that the patient&#39;s head is substantially suspended above the depression  103 ; and, to thereafter allow the patient&#39;s head to eventually settle into the depression to thereby be at least partially supported, whereby the patient&#39;s skull is substantially moved away from the patient&#39;s cervical spine in combined longitudinal and vertical directions with respect to the base of the patient&#39;s occipital bone. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , a series of side elevation views of the device  100  illustrate a sequence of stages in an exemplary treatment procedure. Specifically,  FIG. 3  shows an initial stage of an exemplary treatment procedure, while  FIG. 4  shows a subsequent stage of an exemplary treatment procedure. In  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the device  100  is shown in use by a human patient  300 . A partial view of the patient  300  is provided. Specifically,  FIGS. 3 and 4  include respective side views of the patient&#39;s head or skull  310  and a portion of the patient&#39;s upper or cervical spine  320 . The respective views of the patient  300  provided in  FIGS. 3 and 4  show the rear or occipital region  311  of the head or skull  310 . This rear or occipital region of the skull is also known as the occiput. The respective views of the patient  300  provided in  FIGS. 3 and 4  also show the atlas vertebrae  321  and the axis vertebrae  322  of the upper or cervical spine  320 . 
     As is shown in  FIG. 3 , the patient  300  assumes a substantially supine position and the patient&#39;s head  310  is generally brought to rest substantially upon the protrusion  104 . According to an exemplary embodiment of the device  100 , the device is supported on a base  99  and the patient lies down on the base with the patient&#39;s head  310  positioned on the device substantially as shown in  FIG. 3 . Specifically, the base of the occipital region  311  of the patient&#39;s head  310  is supported on the protrusion  104  in the manner shown. It is to be noted that in this initial position illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the patient&#39;s head  310  is supported substantially by the protrusion  104  so that the occipital region  311  is above, or not substantially supported by, the depression  103 . The patient  300  is allowed to relax in the supine position for several minutes, during which time the patient&#39;s head eventually settles into the depression  103  as is illustrated by  FIG. 4 . Specifically, the patient&#39;s occiput  311  is allowed to eventually settle into a substantially nested position within the depression  103 , wherein the occiput is at least partially supported by the depression. 
     An effect of the difference in respective positions of the patient&#39;s head  310  relative to the device  100  as illustrated by  FIGS. 3 and 4  is that the patient&#39;s skull substantially disengages from the upper cervical spine  320  when the head is allowed to settle into the depression  103  from its initial position of being supported above the depression. According to at least one intended use of the device  100 , the patient&#39;s lower occiput  311  is brought into contact with the protrusion  104  so that the patient&#39;s head  310  is initially supported above the depression  103  as is illustrated by  FIG. 3 . The patient  300  is allowed to relax for several minutes in this position, during which relaxation period the patient&#39;s head  310  gradually settles downwardly and into a substantially cradled position within the depression  103  as is illustrated by  FIG. 4 . Movement of the patient&#39;s head in this manner can cause disengagement of the patient&#39;s occiput  311  from the upper cervical spine  321 , and can cause anterior and/or superior movement of the occiput relative to the atlas/axis complex. More specifically, with reference to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , anterior movement of the head  310  relative to the spine  320  can be defined as movement in a direction generally indicated by the arrow marked  388 , while superior movement can be defined as movement in a direction generally indicated by the arrow marked  399 . With reference now to  FIG. 4 , dimensions marked “A” and “B” indicate an extent of movement of the patient&#39;s head  310  relative to the spine  320  in the anterior direction  388  and superior direction, respectively. It is to be noted that an initial position of the head  310  (relative to the spine  320 ) is indicated by phantom line in  FIG. 4 . It is seen in  FIG. 4  that as a result of treatment using the device  100 , the patient&#39;s head  310  has moved in the anterior direction  388  as well as the superior direction  399 . More specifically, the patient&#39;s head  310  has moved a distance “A” relative to the spine  320  in the anterior direction  388 . Likewise, as a result of the treatment, the patient&#39;s head  310  has moved a distance “B” relative to the spine  320  in the superior direction  399 . It is to be understood that the distances “A” and “B” have been exaggerated for illustrative purposes and that such distances may not be attainable in actual practice. 
     Disengagement of the skull  310  from the upper cervical spine  320  by way of one or more methods and/or use of one or more devices described herein is accompanied by superior and/or anterior movement or repositioning of the skull relative to the upper spine. Such repositioning of the skull  310  relative to the upper spine  320  allows the skull to effectively float freely relative to the spine. Repositioning of the skull  310  relative to the upper spine  320  can allow relaxation of the upper cervical musculature (not shown), which in turn allows the cervical musculature to reset to a new physiological position. The new reset position of the cervical musculature can have many beneficial effects including increases in venous and lymphatic drainage from the skull, improvement in circulation and parasympathetic stimulation via the vagus nerve, which can lead to a reduction in blood pressure. Such effects can lead to a reduction and/or elimination of headaches including both tension and migraine types. 
     Still referring to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , it is to be understood that alternative means of supporting the device  100  and/or the patient  300  are contemplated within the scope of the one or more inventions described and/or illustrated herein. For example, both the device  100  and the patient  300  can be substantially supported on the base  99 . Alternatively, the device  100  is supported on the base  99 , while the patient  300  is at least partially supported by means other than the base. In accordance with at least one method of using the device  100 , the base  99  is substantially horizontally oriented, while according to at least one alternative method, the base is not horizontally oriented. For example, according to at least one alternative method of treatment, the device  100  is supported on a base  99  that is at least slightly inclined. 
     The preceding description has been presented only to illustrate and describe exemplary methods and apparatus of the present invention. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to any precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. It is intended that the scope of the current disclosure be defined by the following claims.