4938230 Device for selectively producing incremental joint movement in a patient in opposite directions

Abstract

A device for selectively providing precise incremental joint movement in a patient in either of two opposite directions with a tactile and audible feedback "click", includes first and second spaced disposable retractors for engaging respective parts of the patient adjacent the joint. One of the retractors is mounted on a fixed, inverted, U-shaped support member, and the other retractor is mounted on a movable actuating rod slidably mounted in the support member. The device is formed entirely of non-magnetic material and is readily operable by the patient, making the device especially useful in magnetic resonance imaging procedures. An operating mechanism for the actuating rod includes a pivoted operating handle having an integral drive pawl, and a retaining mechanism for the actuating rod includes a pair of resilient retaining or holding pawls pivoted on the support member adjacent opposite sides of the drive pawl. The operating handle is pivoted on a rockable lifting lever of a retractor quick-release mechanism, so that rocking of the lifting lever raises the handle which, in turn, raises and pivots the holding pawls to release the actuating rod so that it can be readily moved by hand in either of the opposite directions.