Miami J Collar Leaflet

• Your Miami J Cervical Collar is used to support and protect the cervical spine (neck).

• The Collar is only to be applied or removed when you are lying down. You must not remove the collar yourself.

• Collar Care requires 2 people to complete.

• It is advised that collar care is completed at least twice a week unless clinically advised otherwise. 

How comfortable should it be?

The Collar is designed to restrict movement in the neck. This may feel uncomfortable at first and perhaps claustrophobic, but this should pass. The collar should not be catching your skin or digging in anywhere. If there are pressure areas then please contact Orthotics or the nurse seeing you for collar care straight away.

How long is it needed for?

It will typically be needed full time for 6-12 weeks. Your consultant will clarify this with you either before discharge or at your review.

What problems should I monitor for?

• redness that does not fade after 10 minutes
• sores of blisters
• pain, irritation or rubbing
• any damage to the collar

How should I wash the pads?

Collar pads should be hand washed in mild soapy water, rinsed, and left to air dry on a flat surface. All Miami J collars should come with a spare set of pads to allow for cleaning. If your collar pads are wearing out and you need a replacement set please call Orthotics (01896 827427) and a new set will be sent out to you.

Please do not attempt to alter the collar yourself.

Do’s and don’ts while wearing a Miami J collar

Do

• Follow your Consultants instructions about when and how long you should wear the collar
• Tighten the collar to maintain comfortable snugness
• Minimise neck movements within the collar (try not to nod or shake your head or put your hand inside the collar).

Do Not

• Stop using the collar unless your consultant tells you
• Drive
• Take part in active sports
• Engage in any physical activity that causes excessive pain

For C-spine injury a head hold must be used (two person application)

Lying flat on your back, have one person hold your head still. They should keep holding your head until the collar has been refitted. The second person should release the Velcro on the collar and remove the front section.

Clean and dry the front of the neck.

Remove the back by pushing the back of the collar into the mattress and sliding it out to the side

Peel the pads off the collar frame and position fresh pads in place (Keep the old pads to be washed and reused). Check the pads are covering all the edges of the collar frame.

Push the back of the collar into the mattress and slide it into the centre of the neck.

When the back section is in place, take the front section of the collar and position this over the front of the neck. Scoop the collar under the chin then angle the sides of the collar up towards the ears. The back of the collar should overlap the front.

Tighten one strap at a time while holding the collar securely at the front, making sure the collar remains centred. The collar needs to be secure to provide adequate support. It should feel snug.

This leaflet is produced for patients who have been provided with a Miami J collar from NHS Borders Orthotics service.

We hope you will find this information useful. If you require any further information, or you are unable to attend an appointment, please telephone the Orthotics Department on 01896 827427

Feedback

We appreciate and encourage feedback. If you need advice or are concerned about any aspect of care or treatment please speak to a member of staff.