Cervical orthoses: a guide to their selection and use.

A large variety of cervical orthoses is available, but these may be divided into four basic groups. Although the orthoses in each group provide similar controls, each appliance has certain discrete advantages and limitations. The effectiveness of seven different cervical appliances in restricting motion in flexion-extension, lateral bending and rotation is presented. This information may be used to rationally select an orthosis to control specific clinical problems. A guide is formulated for selecting the orthoses for the control of various cervical injuries and postoperative problems.