The Trial Development of an Original C-Shaped Cervical Collar (Kagoshima-Sekijyuji, KS Collar) for Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Abstract

We developed of an original C-shaped, easily worn cervical collar (Kagoshima Sekijyuji collar; KS collar) for patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The purpose of this study was to investigate the usefulness of the KS collar for patients with RA. Ten healthy volunteers were examined to evaluate the range of cervical movement permitted using the electrical goniometer system with or without the KS collar. In addition, radiographic examinations were carried out to analyze the ability to restrict the motion of the cervical spine for the volunteers and 10 RA patients. The degree of satisfaction with the KS collar for RA patients was addressed using a self-administered questionnaire examining the resultant activity and pain in comparison with conventional collars. The KS collar strongly restricted cervical motion in terms of flexion, but only slightly restricted extension or lateral bending among the healthy volunteers. It was effective for stabilizing the cervical spine, and even permitted a reduction in the cervical subluxation of RA patients. The questionnaire revealed that 90% of the patients felt comfortable when using it in comparison with conventional collars. These results suggest that the KS collar is useful for patients with RA not only for bringing about spinal stability but also in terms of compliance. However, the selection and use of a cervical collar for RA patients should be determined individually.