Orthofix - Scientific Area

Product Description

A unique, noninvasive treatment option for conservatively managed low back pain patients. The Orthotrac Pneumatic Vest allows patients to return to work and to the lifestyle they once enjoyed before the onset of debilitating back pain and related leg pain.

The Orthotrac Pneumatic Vest effectively decreases intervertebral compression and the resulting back and leg pain. In fact, associated leg pain is often relieved within minutes of application. The Orthotrac is the only ambulatory treatment shown to unload the lumbar spine. A Cleveland Clinic Study showed an average, maximum decrease in intravertebral pressure of 23%.¹ Using patented, patient-administered pneumatic lifting, the vest is designed to lift a weight equal to 30% to 50% of body weight from the lumbar spine onto the iliac crests.

In a recent study of more than 200 patients, more than 70% realized significant (p< 0.01) functional improvement along with a significant (p<0.01) decrease in reported pain, averaging 28%.²

Orthotrac can also decrease the cost of low back pain treatment. A recently published study showed that the Orthotrac vest reduced the total overall cost per patient from $6,138 to $3,699.³

The Orthotrac vest is designed to provide ambulatory treatment and reduce pain; allowing patients to return to work and to their daily lifestyle with improved quality of life.

Indication

The Orthotrac Pneumatic Vest is indicated for any low back pain syndrome characterized by weight-bearing intolerance, of more than eight weeks duration, and which may benefit from lumbar spinal unloading. Typical diagnoses may include:

Herniated Nucleus Pulposus/Bulging Disc
Nerve Root Entrapment/Impingement
Stenosis (Foraminal)
Degenerative Disc Disease
Facet Syndrome
Spondylolisthesis/Retrolisthesis (Stable)
Pseudoarthrosis/Failed Back
Lumbar Osteoarthritis
Stable Lumbar Compression Fracture
Mechanical Pain, But Unknown Etiology
At Surgeon's Discretion

Patient Inclusion Criteria:

History of symptom increase with standing or walking activities
History of symptom decrease with 20-30 minutes of recumbency or unloaded positions or activities
Must have the ability to stand straight since this is the functional position when wearing the Orthotrac
Can accommodate most individuals with approximate circumferential measurements between 24" and 57"

Suggested Treatment Protocol:

Wear for the frequency and duration that provide optimum relief, but avoid full time use
Wear during activities that produce or worsen symptoms
Whenever required for functional movements/activities
For patients with low back pain only (without any leg pain) we suggest a minimum wear time of 20-60 minutes, three times per day until an optimal wear pattern is identified
Not intended for heavy lifting

Surgeon Benefits

Orthotrac is the only ambulatory device shown to unload the spine
Significant decrease in reported pain
Significant functional Improvement
No systemic pharmacologics

Surgeon Support Materials

Brochures:

Videos:

Clinical References:

The Effect of the Orthotrac Pneumatic Vest on the Cost of Treatment for Low Back Pain Full Text Article (PDF 6KB)
Ambulatory Spinal Decompression Orthosis: Qualitative and Quantitative Studies Full Text Article (PDF 6KB)
Comparative Case Study of Six Orthopedic Products for Low Back Pain, Using MRI to Assess Ambulatory Spinal Decompression Full Text Article (PDF 4KB)
A biomechanical assessment of disc pressures in the lumbosacral spine in response to external unloading forces PubMed Abstract
Clinical Experience with a Pneumatic Vest - Unloading the Spine in the Upright Posture
Treating Low Back Pain: The Effect of the Orthotrac Pneumatic Vest on the Cost of Treatment and Quality of Life
Patient's use and satisfaction with the Orthotrac Pneumatic Vest for low back pain
Low Back Pain Intervention: Conservative or Surgical? PubMed Abstract
Pneumatic vest - a new lower back pain treatment
Discopathy with Leg Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Orthotrac Vs. EZBrace
Case Studies Involving Ambulatory Spinal Decompression Orthosis Full Text Article (PDF 7KB)

Patient Benefits

Orthotrac is the only ambulatory device shown to unload the spine
Reduces pain
Improves daily function
Reduces and/or alleviates the need for pain medication
Treatment does not interrupt daily activities

Patient Support Materials

Brochures:

Videos:

Testimonials

I recently had some difficulty with my Orthofix spine bone growth stimulator. I called and spoke with an associate; unfortunately I don't remember her name, or even the department, whether it be customer service or technical support. I feel compelled to write and comment about how pleased I was with the service I received. The associate walked me through my issue patiently and with a mild manner until she figured it out. It turned out to be something rather insignificant that I just wasn't aware of, not a problem at all. I wasn't made to feel bothersome or foolish. Too many times these days, customers, like myself, are ill-treated and given the run around. It was just really nice to have such a pleasant experience. Thank you for employing a pleasant staff.
Diana M. Tyler

After two long painful years I can say for the first time that my back doesn’t hurt at all. This vest gave me back my life.
Roy V. Joppa

The Orthotrac Vest is truly a "life saver" for me. When I got my first Orthotrac, I was amazed at the immediate relief of the pain in my legs and hope flooded my heart. As time went on I came to know that while I still have to be very careful in the balancing act of each day, with the vest on, I can do so many things that were out of reach only the day before. Not only can I accomplish the simple and necessary functions of taking care of myself and my family whom I love so deeply, cooking a meal, doing the laundry, shopping, etc., things I have longed to be able to help them with. But also I can now begin to fulfill some of the dreams I had forsaken, including my love of painting, and the joys of playing with my new husband and son. I feel like a young girl again.
Faith S.T., Minden, Vermont

My Orthotrac has been a blessing. I am off my pain medications and back to bike riding again. I also wear the Orthotrac while driving. It has helped me find pleasure in car travel again.
Sam A.P., Altoona, Pennsylvania

I wake pain-free. I am playing golf again. What a relief. I didn't think I'd ever be free of the back pain, but I am, thanks to my (Orthotrac) treatments.
Thomas M., Lake Worth, Florida

My vest is a must if I am doing household work or standing for extended periods of time - cooking, for example.
Mary P., Minneapolis, Minnesota

I was in horrible pain, and now after two weeks of using my Orthotrac I feel I've been given a new life.
Bonita S., Duncansville, Pennsylvania

After 18 years of chronic pain, which limited all activities, I can do light housework and entertain once again.
Linda B.

My back pain had progressed to where I was unable to train horses and provide lessons. I am now able to handle upwards of 10-12 lessons per day.
Kathy M.

Orthotrac allows me to sit and work for hours. I’ll wear it on the plane this week when I travel to Pennsylvania.
Ellen O.

I used to get back spasms that would last three days or more. Since wearing the vest, I’m much more mobile and no longer afraid of getting an attack. My quality of life is much, much better.
Steve M.

Part Reference Numbers

Part No.	Component Description
804000FF	Orthotrac Pneumatic Vest - Includes pump inflation system and accessories

Web Resources

Contraindications

Warnings:

The safety and effectiveness of this device in patients with severe osteoporosis has not been established. This device is not intended as a prophylactic device for heavy lifting.

Precautions:

This device is not recommended for patients with recent or healing spinal or abdominal surgical incisions; or patients who have difficulty breathing with normal activities.

Footnotes

The Spine Journal,Vol.5,548-553.
Journal Musculoskeletal Research, Vol.9, 2005, 65-69.
Care Management, August 2001, pages 1-5

Orthotrac Pneumatic Vest

Pneumatic Lumbar Decompression

Product Description

Indication

Patient Inclusion Criteria:

Suggested Treatment Protocol:

Surgeon Benefits

Surgeon Support Materials

Brochures:

Videos:

Clinical References:

Patient Benefits

Patient Support Materials

Brochures:

Videos:

Testimonials

Part Reference Numbers

Web Resources

Contraindications

Warnings:

Precautions:

Footnotes

Related Pages