Head Up Brace

SKU CF/HUBRACEx Categories ,
Brand: Beagle

Manufactured in the UK

The Head Up Brace is a truly UNIQUE & LIFE-CHANGING design. The brace enables the wearer (if able) to freely move their head & waist from side to side, whilst fully supporting the upper cervical and thoracic region.

Manufactured in the UK by our Custom Fabrication team, the Head Up Brace has been designed to help patients suffering from muscular deterioration in the neck region. It incorporates extended truncal support and a posterior spinal mast to provide additional support to the head.

To order, complete the Head Up Brace form in the download tab and email it to Customer Services. Please contact your area sales manager or our customer service team if you need further assistance.

Indications for use:
Features and benefits:
Why was the Head Up Brace designed?
Mr Pradeep Madhaven, Orthopaedic Surgeon, Musgrove Park Hospital
″Collars and other orthotics can cause painful chafing of the skin under the chin & over the clavicles. Surgery is an option but is associated with a very high complication rate of 30-50%. The Head Up Brace is a unique, non-surgical method that allows the patient to passively correct the chin-on-chest deformity & comfortably hold the head in neutral while preventing skin problems from occurring.″

Most of the current designs on the market are based on the concept of a collar. However, neck weakness is only part of the condition and it is usually accompanied by weakness in the shoulder region and the long back muscles. The Head Up Brace is designed differently and considers all symptoms to provide a true life-enabling aid.

Motor Neurone Disease and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis are life-debilitating conditions that up until now have had little or no aids to assist with daily living. This was the challenge brought to our team here at Beagle Orthopaedic by the NHS Innovation Team at Musgrove Park, Taunton. Following several patient trials and thus, product design changes, we introduced what we believe to be a unique and life-changing product, the “Head Up™ Brace”.

Product development and design concept

Motor Neurone Disease (MND) is a progressive and terminal disease that attacks the Motor Neurones, or nerves, in the brain and spinal cord. Muscle weakness is one of the key features of MND & head drop can result from weakness in the neck, shoulder girdle & long back extensor muscles. Beagle Orthopaedic was tasked with designing a product to help patients with head drop, associated with Motor Neurone Disease.

Things to consider

 

It’s been documented that people living with MND retain sensation. This means they can experience discomfort associated with immobility.
The design needed to:
Timeline

June 2016 – Scanned patients for Dolls Collars, with very little compliance. So, he started drafting ideas for a better device.

December 2016– The prototype was produced using a fabric waistband and Carbon Fibre strut with leather supports around the head. Many issues with Carbon Fibre due to the fine-tuning required to suit different patients’ needs.

March 2017 – Beagle was contacted by “Musgrove Park Hospital” to help develop a new product, as previously developed the Clasby brace At the first meeting, it was apparent that NHS Innovation was looking for the product we had been trying to develop.

April – November 2017 – 11 designs were manufactured for patients selected by the Spinal Consultant at Musgrove Park Taunton for patients indicated for Parkinson, MND, Rheumatology, or relatable spinal problems. 

December 2017 – An agreed design was finalised and production commenced. The Head Up TM Brace was launched and rolled out for general sale, in collaboration with NHS Innovation South West.

2019 – It was decided by consultation with clinicians, in some instances, there were no facilities available to construct the brace using the current protocols

Redesigned Back Panel with a Latitude slot to attach the mast. The mast was made wider to increase stability and to reduce the need to use a Stainless Mast 

2020 – The new version of the Head Up was launched

Description

Full Description Videos Resources
Full Description

The Head Up Brace is a truly UNIQUE & LIFE-CHANGING design. The brace enables the wearer (if able) to freely move their head & waist from side to side, whilst fully supporting the upper cervical and thoracic region.

Manufactured in the UK by our Custom Fabrication team, the Head Up Brace has been designed to help patients suffering from muscular deterioration in the neck region. It incorporates extended truncal support and a posterior spinal mast to provide additional support to the head.

To order, complete the Head Up Brace form in the download tab and email it to Customer Services. Please contact your area sales manager or our customer service team if you need further assistance.

Indications for use:

  • Motor Neurone Disease (MND)

  • Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

  • Chin on chest deformity

  • Oesophageal contractures

  • Head drop
Features and benefits:

  • A pelvic pivot system allows the hips to move independently, ensuring the brace location is maintained

  • The pelvic wings & back panel are linked using free-motion components

  • The Back Panel promotes & maximises spinal extension and encourages a better posture

  • The back panel is fully adjustable to provide a snug fit in the clinic

  • A simple bend to the mast and heat and can be further customised if required by fitting additional longitudinally placed padding to relieve prominent spinous process

  • The shoulder straps in conduction with the Back Panel & Pelvic wings enable a long lever arm to maintain the extension required

  • The straps are padded for extra comfort and the hook & Loop sections allow the strap to be firmly secured

  • Mast is manufactured from a tried and tested Duralumin bar section used in weight-bearing devices and will withstand cold shaping and constant flexing

  • The mast is adjustable longitudinally, which allows the brace to be intimately adjusted at the initial fitting & future clinical reviews, simply by loosening 3 screws

  • A soft and flexible forehead band for head control

  • Components of the head Band ensure the patient can look up and down, left and right without fear of the band pulling off if patient movement is available

  • Universal sizing
Why was the Head Up Brace designed?
Mr Pradeep Madhaven, Orthopaedic Surgeon, Musgrove Park Hospital
″Collars and other orthotics can cause painful chafing of the skin under the chin & over the clavicles. Surgery is an option but is associated with a very high complication rate of 30-50%. The Head Up Brace is a unique, non-surgical method that allows the patient to passively correct the chin-on-chest deformity & comfortably hold the head in neutral while preventing skin problems from occurring.″

Most of the current designs on the market are based on the concept of a collar. However, neck weakness is only part of the condition and it is usually accompanied by weakness in the shoulder region and the long back muscles. The Head Up Brace is designed differently and considers all symptoms to provide a true life-enabling aid.

Motor Neurone Disease and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis are life-debilitating conditions that up until now have had little or no aids to assist with daily living. This was the challenge brought to our team here at Beagle Orthopaedic by the NHS Innovation Team at Musgrove Park, Taunton. Following several patient trials and thus, product design changes, we introduced what we believe to be a unique and life-changing product, the “Head Up™ Brace”.

Product development and design concept

Motor Neurone Disease (MND) is a progressive and terminal disease that attacks the Motor Neurones, or nerves, in the brain and spinal cord. Muscle weakness is one of the key features of MND & head drop can result from weakness in the neck, shoulder girdle & long back extensor muscles. Beagle Orthopaedic was tasked with designing a product to help patients with head drop, associated with Motor Neurone Disease.

Things to consider

 

It’s been documented that people living with MND retain sensation. This means they can experience discomfort associated with immobility.
The design needed to:

  • Fit correctly and not create pressure points

  • Be fully customisable at the supply stage

  • Avoid pressure on the chin and Mandible

  • Have a long lever arm to support the head

  • Be available quickly – Patients are more often than not late to be diagnosed and need helpful devices to be provided as soon as possible

  • Be fit for purpose and give the patient exactly what they need, can be adjusted further at review to maintain its function

  • Many people with MND experience swallowing problems as a result of bulbar weakness. Therefore, it was important to give freedom around this area, chin mouth and throat to make it easier to eat, drink and speak.
Timeline

June 2016 – Scanned patients for Dolls Collars, with very little compliance. So, he started drafting ideas for a better device.

December 2016– The prototype was produced using a fabric waistband and Carbon Fibre strut with leather supports around the head. Many issues with Carbon Fibre due to the fine-tuning required to suit different patients’ needs.

March 2017 – Beagle was contacted by “Musgrove Park Hospital” to help develop a new product, as previously developed the Clasby brace At the first meeting, it was apparent that NHS Innovation was looking for the product we had been trying to develop.

April – November 2017 – 11 designs were manufactured for patients selected by the Spinal Consultant at Musgrove Park Taunton for patients indicated for Parkinson, MND, Rheumatology, or relatable spinal problems. 

December 2017 – An agreed design was finalised and production commenced. The Head Up TM Brace was launched and rolled out for general sale, in collaboration with NHS Innovation South West.

2019 – It was decided by consultation with clinicians, in some instances, there were no facilities available to construct the brace using the current protocols

Redesigned Back Panel with a Latitude slot to attach the mast. The mast was made wider to increase stability and to reduce the need to use a Stainless Mast 

2020 – The new version of the Head Up was launched

Videos


Resources

Head Up Brace order form

Head Up Brace flyer

Head Up Brace fitting instruction

Head Up Brace consultant testimonial

The Head Up Brace is a truly UNIQUE & LIFE-CHANGING design. The brace enables the wearer (if able) to freely move their head & waist from side to side, whilst fully supporting the upper cervical and thoracic region.

Manufactured in the UK by our Custom Fabrication team, the Head Up Brace has been designed to help patients suffering from muscular deterioration in the neck region. It incorporates extended truncal support and a posterior spinal mast to provide additional support to the head.

To order, complete the Head Up Brace form in the download tab and email it to Customer Services. Please contact your area sales manager or our customer service team if you need further assistance.

Indications for use:

  • Motor Neurone Disease (MND)

  • Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

  • Chin on chest deformity

  • Oesophageal contractures

  • Head drop
Features and benefits:

  • A pelvic pivot system allows the hips to move independently, ensuring the brace location is maintained

  • The pelvic wings & back panel are linked using free-motion components

  • The Back Panel promotes & maximises spinal extension and encourages a better posture

  • The back panel is fully adjustable to provide a snug fit in the clinic

  • A simple bend to the mast and heat and can be further customised if required by fitting additional longitudinally placed padding to relieve prominent spinous process

  • The shoulder straps in conduction with the Back Panel & Pelvic wings enable a long lever arm to maintain the extension required

  • The straps are padded for extra comfort and the hook & Loop sections allow the strap to be firmly secured

  • Mast is manufactured from a tried and tested Duralumin bar section used in weight-bearing devices and will withstand cold shaping and constant flexing

  • The mast is adjustable longitudinally, which allows the brace to be intimately adjusted at the initial fitting & future clinical reviews, simply by loosening 3 screws

  • A soft and flexible forehead band for head control

  • Components of the head Band ensure the patient can look up and down, left and right without fear of the band pulling off if patient movement is available

  • Universal sizing
Why was the Head Up Brace designed?
Mr Pradeep Madhaven, Orthopaedic Surgeon, Musgrove Park Hospital
″Collars and other orthotics can cause painful chafing of the skin under the chin & over the clavicles. Surgery is an option but is associated with a very high complication rate of 30-50%. The Head Up Brace is a unique, non-surgical method that allows the patient to passively correct the chin-on-chest deformity & comfortably hold the head in neutral while preventing skin problems from occurring.″

Most of the current designs on the market are based on the concept of a collar. However, neck weakness is only part of the condition and it is usually accompanied by weakness in the shoulder region and the long back muscles. The Head Up Brace is designed differently and considers all symptoms to provide a true life-enabling aid.

Motor Neurone Disease and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis are life-debilitating conditions that up until now have had little or no aids to assist with daily living. This was the challenge brought to our team here at Beagle Orthopaedic by the NHS Innovation Team at Musgrove Park, Taunton. Following several patient trials and thus, product design changes, we introduced what we believe to be a unique and life-changing product, the “Head Up™ Brace”.

Product development and design concept

Motor Neurone Disease (MND) is a progressive and terminal disease that attacks the Motor Neurones, or nerves, in the brain and spinal cord. Muscle weakness is one of the key features of MND & head drop can result from weakness in the neck, shoulder girdle & long back extensor muscles. Beagle Orthopaedic was tasked with designing a product to help patients with head drop, associated with Motor Neurone Disease.

Things to consider

 

It’s been documented that people living with MND retain sensation. This means they can experience discomfort associated with immobility.
The design needed to:

  • Fit correctly and not create pressure points

  • Be fully customisable at the supply stage

  • Avoid pressure on the chin and Mandible

  • Have a long lever arm to support the head

  • Be available quickly – Patients are more often than not late to be diagnosed and need helpful devices to be provided as soon as possible

  • Be fit for purpose and give the patient exactly what they need, can be adjusted further at review to maintain its function

  • Many people with MND experience swallowing problems as a result of bulbar weakness. Therefore, it was important to give freedom around this area, chin mouth and throat to make it easier to eat, drink and speak.
Timeline

June 2016 – Scanned patients for Dolls Collars, with very little compliance. So, he started drafting ideas for a better device.

December 2016- The prototype was produced using a fabric waistband and Carbon Fibre strut with leather supports around the head. Many issues with Carbon Fibre due to the fine-tuning required to suit different patients’ needs.

March 2017 – Beagle was contacted by “Musgrove Park Hospital” to help develop a new product, as previously developed the Clasby brace At the first meeting, it was apparent that NHS Innovation was looking for the product we had been trying to develop.

April – November 2017 – 11 designs were manufactured for patients selected by the Spinal Consultant at Musgrove Park Taunton for patients indicated for Parkinson, MND, Rheumatology, or relatable spinal problems. 

December 2017 – An agreed design was finalised and production commenced. The Head Up TM Brace was launched and rolled out for general sale, in collaboration with NHS Innovation South West.

2019 – It was decided by consultation with clinicians, in some instances, there were no facilities available to construct the brace using the current protocols

Redesigned Back Panel with a Latitude slot to attach the mast. The mast was made wider to increase stability and to reduce the need to use a Stainless Mast 

2020 – The new version of the Head Up was launched

https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/809037922https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/809036055

Head Up Brace order form

Head Up Brace flyer

Head Up Brace fitting instruction

Head Up Brace consultant testimonial

Downloads

Bea Comfort TLSO Sell Sheet
Bea Comfort TLSO Fitting Instructions

Reviews

There are no reviews yet

Add a review
You must be logged in to post a review Log In
Add a review
You must be logged in to post a review Log In
0.0
Based on 0 reviews
5 star
0%
4 star
0%
3 star
0%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
0 of 0 reviews

Sorry, no reviews match your current selections