GB790152A - Improvements in or relating to apparatus for use in manipulative therapy - Google Patents

Abstract

790,152. Orthopaedic traction apparatus. GRAFTON ACCESSORIES, Ltd., and RENN, F. W. Nov. 2, 1956 [Nov. 8, 1955], No. 31937/55. Class 81 (2). Orthopµdic traction apparatus comprises a movably mounted element, for applying a tractive force, connected to a member oscillatable about a displaceable pivot and reciprocatory drive means, the arrangement being such that displacement of the pivot in one direction independently of the reciprocatory drive means applies a sustained tractive force and oscillation of the member by the reciprocatory drive means applies a reciprocatory tractive force. A patient is supported on a table comprising a framework 1 carrying fixed upholstered sections 3, 4 and an upholstered foot section 2 which is slidable on rails 6 forming part of the framework 1. A spring 16 urges the foot section 2 towards the head end of the table, a buffer 18 limiting movement in this direction. A pair of parallel links 34 on a pivot 33 carried by a support 24 slidable on a rail 21 are connected through a dash-pot 40 to a lug 15, fixed to the foot section 2. A threaded spindle 28 engages a threaded hole in a lug 27 of the support 24 and is rotatable by a handle 32 to displace the support 24 and the pivot 33 in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the table. The links 34 are also connected to a rod 37 which may be reciprocated by an electric motor 38. In use the upper part of the patient is connected by a harness with a spring balance 8 attached to the table and the lower part of his body is secured by a harness to a post 7 fixed to the slidable foot section 2. Rotation of the spindle 28 and consequent movement of the pivot 33 causes compression of a spring 43 of the dashpot 40 which is followed by movement of the foot section 2 relative to the fixed table sections 3, 4 so that a sustained traction can be applied to the patient. Reciprocation of the lever 37 by the electric motor 38 causes the links 34 to oscillate so that the foot section 2 reciprocates to apply an intermittent traction to the patient. Similar mechanism may be provided in a cabinet which is attached to a table, a reciprocatable rod projecting from the cabinet being secured either to a sliding table section or to a harness strapped to the patient.