Sections:
Brace Description
Biomechanics
Applications & Benefits
Components & Features
Suggested Clinical Protocols
Determining Brace Size
How to order
A-TraC Dynamic BraceTM
Premier Edition
The patent pending A-TraC Dynamic BraceTM is the
first brace of its kind introduced for dogs. "A-TraC" stands
for "anti-transitional cruciate" brace. The brace prevents
anterior translation of the tibia on the femur. Dynamic infers
that the brace is not static in its design, and functions
in a manner which allows for a select range of motion of the
stifle joint (knee joint) against resistance. The brace
therefore promotes rehabilitation of the limb and joint.
Biomechanics of the A-TraC Dynamic BraceTM
| Allows for resistance,
in both flexion and extension |
|
Prevents anterior
translation of tibia
Longitudinal Rod Pocket |
- Functions via semi-tubular tension rods which are placed
in the longitudinal rod pockets on the inner and outer
sides of the brace
- Maintains sagittal plane stability by posterior
tethering of the tension rods above and below the stifle
- Utilizes a buttress between the two tension rods, located
over the proximal tibia, which resists anterior movement
of the tibia on the femur
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Applications
Protect and Rehabilitate:
- Intra-capsular and extra-capsular cruciate repairs
- TPLO leveling osteotomies
- Partial tear cruciate injuries
Protect and Maintain
- Cruciate injuries in dogs when surgical treatment is too
great a risk due to age or health issues
- Prevent recurrence of injuries when the dog is more active
- Protection for the active dog with a previous history
of cruciate injury
Benefits:
- Decreases the progression of osteoarthritis after anterior
cruciate injury.
- Helps prevent post-operative complications due to re-injury.
- Enhances rehabilitation.
- Prevents recurrence of injury.
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Components & Features
- Three layer laminated NeopreneTM skin provides
durability, comfort and flexibility.
- Inner layer is non-irritating and non-adhering for maximum
comfort for the shaved leg.
- Outer layer provides additional strength and flexibility.
- Adjustability at 8 to 9 different points for maximum customization.
- Interchangeable rods provide for adjustability of range
of motion at the stifle joint as healing and rehabilitation
progresses.
- Brace is stabilized at three points: the braced leg, cuff
on opposite thigh, and tether to collar.
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Suggested Clinical Protocols:
The following clinical protocols are submitted as only
suggestions and are not intended as a substitute for the clinical
judgement, or specific clinical or behavioral information the
veterinarian has available to him.
Acute Injuries:
- Begin use of brace immediately or as soon as possible after
injury or diagnosis. Even if surgery is contemplated, the
brace should be applied until surgery can be performed. *
Whenever possible the brace should be adjusted and tried on
the dog prior to surgery. This accomplishes three things:
- Affirms that the garment fits the dog.
- Allows staff to become familiar with the use of the
garment.
- Prevents a painful and frustrating experience on the
surgically treated dog.
- Acute injuries, including post-surgical repairs (i.e., extracapsular
or TPLO), should begin by using the LROM (limited range of
motion) rods for one to three weeks, two to six weeks for
the TPLO procedure. The brace should be applied over a light
dressing following surgery.
Limited Range of Motion Rods
- Substitute the TROM (total range of motion) rods for the
rehabilitative phase at one to three weeks, or two to six
weeks after TPLO surgery
Total Range of Motion Rods Chronic Injuries:
- When pain is not a major feature, the TROM rods can be
attempted initially
Note: Whether for Acute or Chronic injuries,
if the dog ambulates with an antalgic gait or will not bear
weight after an appropriate period of time, the LROM rods should
be reinserted for an additional period of time until the dog
appears to be pain free.
Maintenance:
After surgical or rehabilitative treatment of the cruciate
injury is complete, the brace should still be worn when the
dog is more active (i.e., when the dog goes to the park, plays
ball, plays with other dogs, or just runs in the backyard).
This will decrease the risk of re-injury.
Back to Sections
Size Determination of the
A-TraC Dynamic BraceTM
Illustration A
Bisection of the tibia on lateral view. Measurement taken from
proximal tibial plateau to distal tibial articular surface.
Click here to view full image.
Warning:
After the initial application
of the garment:
- The animal should be checked for points
of irritation at least every 48 hours for the first week to
prevent significant problems before they arise.
- The animal should be watched closely for
the first few days for indications of the dog biting or chewing
the garment. If evidence of biting or chewing is visible,
the dog should be fitted for an Elizabethan Collar to prevent
this behavior.
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How to Order an A-TraC Dynamic Brace®
1. Left Click on “Downloads” on the left side of the screen.
2. Look for the form “How to measure for the A-TraC Dynamic Brace” in the lower left hand corner.
3. Left Click on the form. If you have Adobe Acrobat Reader®, the form will enlarge so you can view it.
4. If you don’t have Adobe Acrobat Reader® please download it by clicking on the Adobe Acrobat Reader® logo at the very bottom left side of the screen. You may have to scroll down to see it. Once this is downloaded to your computer you will be able to perform step 3.
5. Once the form is enlarged please print out the form for your use by clicking on “File” and then “Print”.
6. Once you have printed out the form please follow the measuring instructions just as they are written on the form.
Please notice EXAMPLE A at the right side of the form. This is an example of the x-ray that needs to be taken by your veterinarian to obtain the measurement of the “TIBIA”. This is a required measurement! This measurement can not be estimated by your veterinarian. If for some reason you can not obtain an x-ray of your dog’s Tibia please call 847-634-1700.
7. Once you have your measurements, you may place your order either on the web site, or by calling our toll free number at 800-443-4055.
8. If you still have any questions about any of the steps or how to measure, please call 847-634-1700.
9. Once you receive your brace please call us for technical support if you have any questions or difficulty with the brace. Remember, we can only help you if you call.
TECHNICAL SUPPORT
847-634-1700
We are constantly asked for referrals to veterinarians that have experience with the A-TraC Dynamic Brace.
Once you have used our brace and you feel comfortable with its application and use, please register with us and check the box
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