Medical indications for the A-TraC Dynamic Brace would be a partially torn CCL or even a full rupture of the CCL (Cranial Cruciate). The brace can also be used in mild cases of Patellar Luxation. The Anterior or Cranial Cruciate Ligament helps to hold the knee or stifle joint together. An abnormal forward shifting motion at the knee or stifle joint is the end result of tearing the anterior or cranial cruciate ligament. ACL injuries results in continuous or intermittent lameness or inability to bare weight on the affected leg. Pain initially results from the pain and swelling of the initial injury but subsequently results from the pain caused by instability at the knee or stifle joint and finally resulting arthritis.

Once the diagnosis of an ACL or CCL injury is diagnosed by the Veterinarian the client or the Veterinarian can order the A-TraC Dynamic Brace.

Dr. Spatt is a human surgeon who has experience in human bracing which has a good success rate. Dr. Spatt believed there was no reason that a knee brace for dogs would be equally successful.. Dr. Spatt also believes in conservative care prior to surgery whenever possible. At WoundWear Inc. we believe that pet owners want to provide the same compassion and quality to their pet’s health care as they would for human members of their family. Our mission at WoundWear Inc. is to provide a humanistic approach to all of our product development.

Dr. Joel F. Spatt presents his view point based on a humanistic approach of conservative treatment for dogs with ACL injuries. His opinion is that brace treatment can often be effective in treating this injury in dogs as it can be in humans. Less aggressive treatment or conservative care should in most cases be attempted prior to the more aggressive surgical treatment which has a much greater complication rate as well as significant failure rates. Surgery and bracing can both fail however bracing has very little down side. Surgery on the other hand is very expensive and can also increase the risk of injury to the other leg do to the long recovery and greater weight exerted to the remaining good leg. Should brace treatment fail to improve weight bearing to the affected leg over three to five weeks of continuous treatment then surgery may become an option for these cases with no increased risks in surgical outcomes. Should surgery become necessary bracing can be used postoperatively to improve the success rate of the surgical procedure.

The A-‘TraC Dynamic Brace is designed to treat canine cruciate injuries. A-TraC stands for “anti-translational cruciate” brace which prevents anterior or cranial (abnormal forward shifting) movement of the tibia on the femur. “Dynamic” infers that the brace is not static in its design. The A-TraC Dynamic Brace prevents abnormal motion while allowing for normal movement of the stifle joint (knee Joint) against resistance to provide rehabilitation of the knee while it heals.

The success rate of the A-TraC Dynamic Brace is as follows; 90% of the dogs that use our brace accommodate to the brace and go on and bare more weight on the affected leg. Of the 90% of dogs that adapt to the brace about 75-80% of these dogs will recover and not require any further bracing.

The length of time to receive an A-TraC Dynamic brace will depend on if it is in stock. If the brace is in stock then it would go out within 24 to 48 hours from the order placement. Generally depending on shipment choices and the location of the customer the brace will be received in one to three days within the United States once it has been shipped. Orders going outside the United States may take longer depending on customs etc.

Some insurance companies will reimburse for a percentage of the cost of the A-TraC Dynamic brace. Customers would have to call their specific insurance to find out about coverage.