STEP 1- Loosen all straps (including the front tibial strap) before putting on the brace. Make sure that there are pads on each of these straps.
- Note: Pads can be removed completely for cleaning and/or for adjustment purposes.
STEP 2- Place the brace shell on the front of the leg and tighten the 1st strap just above the hock. This is the brace’s main point of suspension.
- Tip: Use your first 4 fingers to hold the brace snug against the front of your pet’s leg while your thumb holds the pad centered on the back of your pet’s leg. Using your other hand, tighten the strap until the brace is snug.
- Check: Gently pull on the brace to see if it will slip over the hock. If the brace slips off, the bottom strap needs to be tighter.
STEP 3- Tighten the straps up the back of your pet’s leg in order (shown on stifle brace diagram).
STEP 4- Tighten the tibial strap on the front of the brace.
- Note: Not all stifle braces come with a tibial strap. Only medium-large pets will have stifle braces with a tibial strap.
- Tip: Once the front strap is tightened correctly, it can remain fastened for the entirety of the device’s use.
- Check: Be sure that the lower shell is lying flat against the shin (front tibial section). If it is not, loosen the front strap and make the 2nd strap tighter. This will pull the shell towards the leg.
At this point, all straps should be snug and the mechanical and anatomic joints aligned. It is important to have the joints aligned so your pet has no restricted motion.
|