This article comprehensively examines the Philadelphia cervical collar neck brace, addressing the following key aspects:

1. What is the Philadelphia cervical collar neck brace?
2. Material composition and structural design of Philadelphia cervical collar neck brace
3. Clinical indications and applications of Philadelphia cervical collar neck brace
4. Philadelphia cervical collar neck brace proper fitting protocols
5. Does the Philadelphia cervical collar neck brace Have Side Effects?

Let’s explore each topic in detail:

‌1. What is the Philadelphia cervical collar neck brace?‌

The Philadelphia cervical collar neck brace (also known as a two-piece collar or polymer cervical orthosis) is a Class I medical rehabilitation brace. It functions as a head-neck orthotic device primarily designed for cervical immobilization and support.

‌2. Material composition and structural design of Philadelphia cervical collar neck brace

The Philadelphia neck brace is made of a special composite material of polyethylene foam and hard plastic, featuring both softness and comfort as well as rigid support. The Philadelphia neck brace adopts a split design, consisting of two pieces at the front and back, which are connected and fixed by nylon fasteners or Velcro, making it easy to adjust the tightness and fit different neck sizes. Moreover, the breathability has been optimized. The front piece is equipped with an opening for tracheal intubation (facilitating medical operations), and ventilation holes are distributed around it to reduce the feeling of stuffiness.

‌3. Clinical indications and applications of Philadelphia cervical collar neck brace

Philadelphia cervical collar neck brace are mainly suitable for the following three situations:

Cervical spine trauma and postoperative rehabilitation

• Stable cervical vertebra fractures: Provide external support for fractures without displacement or with mild displacement to prevent secondary injuries.
• Ligament injury/dislocation of the joint: Fixation after assisted reduction (such as atlantoaxial subluxation) and transitional fixation after cervical fracture and dislocation surgery.

Cervical degenerative diseases

• Acute stage of cervical spondylosis of nerve root type: Alleviate pain and numbness caused by nerve compression.
• Intervertebral disc protrusion/cervical reverse arch: Restrict abnormal movement and reduce inflammatory response.

First aid and temporary immobilization

• On-site treatment for trauma: Temporarily immobilize the cervical vertebrae in cases of car accidents, falls, etc., to prevent transportation from aggravating the injury.
• Transfer of patients: Use in conjunction with stretchers to ensure spinal stability.
• Contraindications: It is contraindicated for unstable cervical fractures, and should be used strictly according to medical advice.

4. Philadelphia cervical collar neck brace proper fitting protocols

The Philadelphia neck brace is a medical device and is not suitable for daily health maintenance. Most of the time, it should be worn under the guidance of a doctor. Here are some important wearing notes:

• Avoid wearing it too tightly or too loosely. Wearing it too tight can compress blood vessels and cause dizziness or skin irritation. Wearing it too loosely can fail to restrict cervical movement (if the forehead can touch the chest when bowing the head, it becomes ineffective).
• Limit single use to ≤2 hours and total daily use to ≤4 hours (to prevent muscle atrophy). It should be removed during sleep (unless specifically requested by a doctor).
• The neck brace can be cleaned daily, along with the neck skin. For those with allergies, place a pure cotton towel as a barrier, and air dry in a cool, ventilated place. Avoid direct sunlight or drying methods.

5. Does the Philadelphia cervical collar neck brace have side effects?

The Philadelphia cervical collar neck brace is a medical device and, by nature, has no side effects. However, improper use can pose risks, so it’s crucial to follow medical advice. This text discusses some common phenomena; for specific issues, please consult a doctor.

• The Philadelphia cervical collar neck brace should not be worn for more than 2 hours at a time, and total wear should not exceed 4 hours per day. Prolonged use can lead to muscle atrophy and strength decline: the Philadelphia cervical collar neck brace takes on the load of neck muscles, and long-term use (>2 weeks) can result in muscle fiber degeneration and disuse atrophy, with a strength decrease of about 20-30%. It may also cause joint stiffness and limited movement: continuous fixation can lead to soft tissue adhesion, reducing the range of cervical rotation/lateral flexion by 40%-60%. Some patients may experience chronic pain or abnormal cervical curvature.
• There is also a risk of local tissue damage. If the brace material is too hard or the edges are not designed properly, it can cause skin pressure injuries, edema, or pressure sores (common in summer). Therefore, it is essential to select a Philadelphia cervical collar neck brace made of good-quality material and craftsmanship. Incorrect and overly tight wearing can also lead to nerve compression: wearing it too tightly can compress the brachial plexus, resulting in upper limb numbness, and may cause circulatory disturbances due to carotid artery compression, leading to dizziness and insufficient blood supply to the brain.

This summarizes some common issues related to the Philadelphia cervical collar neck brace. Everyone is encouraged to actively discuss these topics. If there are health-related concerns, please consult a doctor promptly and follow their advice. Feel free to ask if you need further assistance!