Leg Lengthening Discrepancy Orthosis

Helpful for: Legs that are of unequal lengths

Canines that experience leg fracture at the growth plate level in their early developing years, resulting in a stunted growth of the bone and leaving the canine with an altered gait cycle and an improper spinal column and hip alignment. The leg lengthening discrepancy orthosis would benefit the canine by providing a normal leg length for a natural gait cycle, levelling off the hip and allowing the spinal column to be more anatomically correct to prevent any scoliosis curvatures occurring. The orthosis encapsulates the complete leg distal to stifle joint and incorporates a rubber joint at the tarsal joint for a normal articulation while fixating the paw in stance position for stability. The design concept provides a longer biomechanical lever arm of support to the leg, distal to the stifle joint for maximum support when increasing the length of a leg.
Leg Lengthening Discrepancy Orthosis

Orthotics Features

Orthotic applications are fabricated out of thermoform plastic with thermo foam lining for a comfortable intimate fitting. A biomechanical approach is used when configuring the strapping system to suspend devices. Elastic integration of the strapping system allows for a comfortable fit while maintaining optimal suspension, so as not to impede on the dynamic movement of dogs anatomy. Orthotics are designed for the following three applications:

  1. Prophylactic
  2. Rehabilitative
  3. Functional

 

Prophylactic

Prophylactic orthotic products are designed to prevent or reduce the severity of joint injury.

Use an orthotic when a dog has a non-functional paw (i.e. knuckling over). The orthotic will support the paw, keeping it in the correct position when weight bearing, and is designed to prevent dorsal sores from developing and other potential trauma to the limb.

Rehabilitative

Rehabilitative orthotics are used to support and stabilize a joint while assisting or restricting range of motion.

Dogs having CCL or cranial cruciate ligament injuries, in particular, benefit from a rehabilitative orthotic device to recover from injury, and often for long term treatment.

Functional

Functional orthotics provides stability for chronically unstable joints and limbs for long term support and function

Dogs with hip dysplasia may benefit from a functional orthosis that provides support while stabilizing the hip joint. The range of motion of the hip joint is controlled to prevent luxation and the paws maintain correct stance position and extension.