The DCO is the most advanced system available for the treatment of head drop. This truly dynamic device is the only system available that supports a neutral, midline position, while still allowing normal movement. Through the use of the dynamic resistance bands, the DCO offers a resistance to movement helping to facilitate strengthening of the musculature of the neck, while assisting with re-centering in midline.
Dynamic Cervical Orthosis (DCO)
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Dynamic Cervical Orthosis (DCO)
Dynamic Cervical Orthosis (DCO)
Uses of DCO
- To stabilize the head for the patient population that either congenitally, pathologically or traumatically loses the ability to stabilize the head.
- This device is primarily designed for patients with a lack of voluntary control of the head and neck, often secondary to Cerebral Palsy, Multiple Sclerosis, Spinal Muscular Atrophy and severe Hypotonia.
- These patients are not able to consistently control the position of their heads and have a difficult time functioning normally. As a result, this device will help to better position their heads to engage the world around them and improve their function and independence.
- To stabilize the head and neck in a neutral midline position, facilitating improved breathing, swallowing and speech patterns, as well as the ability to engage the environment.
- To offer graded resistance to movement, creating an overall strengthening of the muscles used to control the head and neck.
DCO Characteristics
The Strapping System
- Shoulder Straps: Via a chest strap and figure “8”, the device provide to the patient a shoulder straps that prevents from shoulder enrollment.
- Chest Strap: Provides an attachment point for a circumferential chest strap, which anchors the DC
The Dynamic Cervical Orthosis
- The specific durometer of the elastic bands is determined as part of the fitting and treatment of the user.
- Stabilizes the head in neutral position
- Movement against resistance, allowing for strengthening of the neck muscles
For a Better Head Control
- The upright is easily contoured to match the user’s natural spinal curvature and head shape.
- The occipital support is also lined with a soft foam interface
- The user wears a strap around the head at about the glabella level
- When the user dons the device, the straps are connected around the chest and around the shoulders. The head strap is donned and snugged in place
- Head band is connected to the occipital support via elastic bands
- These elastic bands help to stabilize the head in neutral position.
- Movement of the head is then against resistance, allowing for strengthening of the musculature of the neck, resulting in improved head control
Indications
- Poor Head Control
- Neck Weakness
- Head Drop (Ptosis)
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Myopathy
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
- Poor Head Control Due to
- Hypotonic Cerebral Palsy
Contra-indications
- Rigidity of the Neck Musculature
- Fusion of the Cervical Vertebrae
- Fixed Neck Position
In Comparison with Other Orthosis
- The other existing orthosis are considered as head support with both anterior and posterior supports.
- They show no similarity to the function of the DCO They mainly immobilize the head in a static position (lacking functionality) such as Sternal, Occipital, Mandibular Immobilizer (SOMI), or a 4 points cervical orthosis.
- DCO system allows to correct the head position in a dynamic way. This will allow the patient to be able to move his head in all directions (functional).
- DCO system will provide a “Rappel System” bringing the head to a the initial corrected position after each movement.
- DCO system provides a graded elastic assisting aid to the patient. This aid could even be modified according to the patient improvement
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