Responses: Any info on Miami J collars?

Anna Frazer

Description

Title:

Responses: Any info on Miami J collars?

Creator:

Anna Frazer

Date:

7/13/2004

Text:

Many thanks to all those who responded- much appreciated!

Original post:
Dear List,
I am seeking information regarding the use of the Miami J cervical orthoses. Our department has recently received an increased number of referrals for the Miami J in preference to the Philadelphia collar. These referrals often relate to patients with acute C-spine fractures (of various levels and stability), being treated conservatively, with the expectation that the orthosis will be used long-term.
As a comfort and ease-of-use issue, the advantages of the Miami's smooth padded and removable liner are apparent. However, I am trying to find information regarding the stability provided by this orthosis, it's strength, and ability to withstand long-term use.
(We have come to the conclusion that the Miami J is contra-indicated for patients suffering dementia as we found that the plastic snap rivets are not strong enough to withstand the wilful tugging of an 84 yo lady!)

I would like to hear from any list members who have had experience with the Miami J, it's benefits, stability provided, any problems you may have encountered, and the types of injuries for which it is commonly prescribed.
I will post a summary of replies.
Regards,

Anna Frazer
Orthotist
Orthotics Department
(Sydney Children's Hospital)

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We fit about 500 Miami J's a year at our large trauma hospital. We are very happy with the sizing, fit and function. We have had a small number of problems with durability. We do have the occasional failure of the plastic rivets, but it is a very minor problem. Our typical patient wears the collar from three to six months. If the duration of ware is much greater a metal design might be more appropriate. The physicians usually use them post-operatively and in trauma cases where the stabilization is needed for more than a couple of days. The hospital protocol is to switch out the trauma collar for patients that are unconscious to prevent ulceration and to give more comfort and stability to patients who are conscious. The nursing staff and patients really like the removable pads. You can find studies on the function of the collars at their website, www.jeromemedical.com < <URL Redacted>>
I hope this helps with your decision.

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I use the Miami J on a daily basis.I have a busy spinal and cervical clinic in my area that goes through about 40-50 collars a month.I have used literally every type of cervical support you can think of and have found the Miami J to be easy to use and apply.The sizes are easier to adjust than the Philly collar.Some people prefer the Aspen than the Miami J.They are simular only the Miami J is cheaper.I wouldn't use this collar for restricted control rather just A/P,M/L support with mild rotational control.If you are trying to obtain a more rigid fit of a Philly collar,you might try a four poster.I like the Miami J but it tends to be easily misunderstood by patients and hard to repair.The replacement pads are a help but it increases the costs.My opinion is that they are no better than anything else out there.Good luck .I wish I could be more help.

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we use the Miami J collar-peds and adult for acute spinal injuries and have inserted it into the University c-spine clearance protocol. That indicates that a patient in a stiff neck collar form more than 6 hours is transferred to a temporary Miami J collar (necloc) and to a standard miami J if time drags off and no diagnosis is made within 24 hours. Any patient with neurologic compromise is transferred immediately to the Miami J.

Efficacy of 5 Cervical orthoses in restricting cervical motion: a comparison study - Askins & Eismont
Restriction of Cervical Spine Motion by Cervical Collars - Ducker 1990
Comparison of the Effectiveness of Different Cervical Immobilization Collars - Annals of Emergency Medicine 1986

I do not consider the collar contraincdicated for elderly people with dementia - the plastic riveted strap should be removed and you can add a locking buckle to prevent being able to undo the collar.
We have really good luck with it - much fewer skin issues in our trauma unit also.

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You can contact the manufacturer directly.....
Jerome Medical
305 Harper Drive
Moorestown, NJ 08057
Phone (800) 257-8440
Fax (856) 234-8600
Hope this helps.

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JEROME WILL GLADLY PROVIDE YOU ALL THE DOCUMENTATION AND POWER POINT YOU
WILL NEED.

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Contact this individual: <Email Address Redacted>

He is a CPO that works extensively with Jerome Orthopedics (The makers of
the Miami J) and he is a friend and a published expert on C-Spine injuries.

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Check the Aspen line of cervical and spinal orthoses........much more versatile and
supportive than the Miami-J.

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Try the Seattle Systems Marlin Neuro Cerv. It has anatomical contours and occipital component that shapes to the contour of the cervical arch.
A very superior cervical orthosis



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Citation

Anna Frazer, “Responses: Any info on Miami J collars?,” Digital Resource Foundation for Orthotics and Prosthetics, accessed November 26, 2024, https://library.drfop.org/items/show/223429.