Self-retaining braces for canine arthroscopy.
OBJECTIVE
To describe self-retaining braces for canine shoulder, elbow, hip, and stifle arthroscopy.


METHODS
Clinical design and application.


METHODS
Clinical patients admitted for elective arthroscopy.


METHODS
Self-retaining braces were designed and constructed from commercially available products, steel tubing, and upholstery. The design efficacy was determined by clinical use.


RESULTS
A shoulder/hip retraction device was constructed from a heavy-duty Mayo stand and a steel T frame. An elbow brace and a stifle brace were constructed from a commercially available positioning arm and steel tubing. These devices were used successfully in clinical canine arthroscopy and provided consistent stability for arthroscopic surgery without the need of a surgical assistant.


CONCLUSIONS
Arthroscopic self-retaining braces can be constructed from commercially available products and other simple materials to provide reliable patient positioning without the need for a surgical assistant.


CONCLUSIONS
Self-retaining braces may provide improved patient stabilization and eliminate the need for a surgical assistant in most cases of canine arthroscopy.
Schulz
Kurt S
KS
Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA. ksschulz@ucdavis.edu
Holsworth
Ian G
IG
Hornof
William J
WJ
D000818:Animals; D001182:Arthroscopy / Q000662:veterinary*; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D001915:Braces / Q000662:veterinary*; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D004285:Dogs; D004551:Elbow Joint; D004867:Equipment Design; D006621:Hip Joint; D007592:Joint Diseases / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D012785:Shoulder Joint; D013264:Stifle
D001672:Biocompatible Materials