Self-retaining braces for canine arthroscopy.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To describe self-retaining braces for canine shoulder, elbow, hip, and stifle arthroscopy. STUDY DESIGN: Clinical design and application. SAMPLE POPULATION: 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. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Self-retaining braces may provide improved patient stabilization and eliminate the need for a surgical assistant in most cases of canine arthroscopy.