Stifle Orthosis

Helpful for: post-operative and treatment to long-term chronic instability of the stifle joint

Objective with stifle orthosis is to prevent external and internal rotation within the stifle joint, while providing medial and lateral support. Controlling the joint range of motion will assist in preventing ligament tears while the designed form fitting plastic moulds aid in over all leg stability and support.

In order to achieve optimal benefits from a Stifle Orthotic, three factors need to be addressed:

  • Proper fit
  • Alignment
  • Suspension

The stifle orthotic device must fit intimately so not to allow any movement between the leg and device, to prevent shear forces occurring within the stifle joint.

Alignment of the orthotic joint and anatomical joints are to be aligned appropriate with each other to allow leg and orthotic to function comfortably and efficiently.

Consistently maintaining suspension of the orthotic is necessary to provide proper fitting and alignment of the stifle orthotic. K-9 Orthotics & Prosthetics utilizes a harness system in order to maintain consistent suspension of the orthotic device during the dynamics of the canine movements.
Stifle Orthosis Stifle Orthosis
Stifle Orthosis Stifle Orthosis
Stifle Orthosis Stifle 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.