PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

C M Schuch

Publications and source records attributed to C M Schuch.

3 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1999

Current transfemoral sockets.

Clinicians have two types of prosthetic sockets for patients with a transfemoral amputation: the quadrilateral socket introduced in the 1950s and the ischial containment socket introduced in the 1980s. For many years, the quadrilateral socket was acceptable to clinicians and patients alike. With the introduction of the ischial containment socket claims were made that the quadrilateral socket had been inadequate from its inception. It also was claimed that the ischial containment design was the answer to all problems than patients with transfemoral amputations may have. Unfortunately, there is only one scientific study that lends any support to claims of the ischial containment socket's superiority and its findings are limited. Still, clinicians must make recommendation and prescription decisions daily regarding what is best for their patients. There are two acceptable socket designs for patients with transfemoral amputations. Experience with both supports the concept that they have more similarities than differences and that each has a legitimate place in the treatment of patients with transfemoral amputations. A comprehensive understanding of each socket design and its biomechanical intentions is essential for successful clinical application and treatment of patients with amputations.

Amputation, Surgical↗
PubMed1988

The effect of halo-vest length on stability of the cervical spine. A study in normal subjects.

In order to study how the efficiency of the halo vest is affected by different lengths of the vest, an experimental headband was devised that allowed the head of a normal person to be held securely in the halo attachment. The vest was then modified to allow it to be adjusted to three different lengths (Fig. 2): a full vest extended to the iliac crests, a short vest extended to the twelfth ribs, and a half vest extended to the level of the nipples. Twenty normal, healthy adult men participated in the study. For each vest length, radiographs were made of each subject demonstrating rotation, flexion-extension, and lateral bending of the cervical spine. There was no rotation of the cervical spine, regardless of the length of the vest. There was a variable degree of motion in flexion or extension of the upper part of the cervical spine with all vest lengths, but this was not statistically significant. There was definite increase of motion caudad to the level of the fifth cervical vertebra regardless of the length of the vest. We concluded that a lesion of the upper part of the cervical spine can be treated effectively by halo traction with a half vest. This will improve the comfort and care of the patient and avoid the necessity of removing the vest if emergency cardiovascular resuscitation is needed. In the treatment of lesions of the lower part of the cervical spine (caudad to the level of the fourth cervical vertebra), the use of a halo vest that extends caudad to the level of the twelfth ribs does provide additional stability.

Adult↗