Veterinary Orthotics
By: Carolina Medina DVM, DACVSMR, CVA
Medicine & Rehabilitation Specialist
Orthoses (braces) are medical
devices that attach to a limb to
provide support, proper alignment,
prevent or correct deformity, and
immobilization if deemed necessary.
Orthoses also assist debilitated
muscles and improve mobility and
function. Depending on the injury,
they can be used as an alternative or
complementary
to
surgery
(preoperative or postoperative).
Preoperatively, they can provide
support/stability
and
minimize
disuse atrophy. Postoperatively, they
are a safer alternative to casting
because they are dynamic in nature
versus rigid like a cast. In cases
where surgery is not an option such
as in patients that are poor
anesthetic
candidates,
have
comorbidities,
advanced
age,
obesity, or clients with limited
finances, orthoses can be an
effective alternative. Due to the
stability and support they provide,
orthoses can provide functional
independence thereby improving a
patient’s quality of life and
preventing early euthanasia. 1
Orthoses
provide
innovative
biomechanical solutions for various
conditions such as cranial cruciate
ligament tear, carpal hyperextension,
injury/avulsion of the Achilles
tendon
complex,
and
elbow
-
Coral Springs Animal Hospital Sports
dysplasia. A stifle orthosis restricts
cranial tibial thrust thereby providing
stability to the stifle joint. A carpal
orthosis stabilizes the alignment of the
carpus and therefore prevents further
carpal hyperextension. A tarsal orthosis
stabilizes extension of the tarsus and
therefore prevents further tarsal
hyperflexion and strain on the Achilles
tendon complex. An elbow orthosis can
provide comfort and support providing
stability and allowing better mobility.
As you can see, the main focus of the
various orthoses is to provide stability
of the affected limb to offer proper
alignment and improved mobility and
function.
Fitting and acclimating a patient to an
orthosis may take some time similar to
braking in a new pair of boots. Typically
patients go through the following
process:
initial
consultation
to
determine if an orthosis is an
appropriate treatment which includes
not only the individual patient but also
determining if the client will be
compliant based on their lifestyle and
availability; various measurements of
the affected limb are taken as well as
pictures and videos of the patient
standing and walking; radiographs of
the affected and unaffected limb for
comparison;
and
a
fibroglass
impression of the affected limb. All of
these materials are submitted to a