Braces with cruciate disease

RE: Braces with cruciate disease

David Mills — Fri, 22 Aug 2025 18:33:17 GMT

As has been said, the stifle is almost impossible to immobilise (unless you stick a pin through it) as it's effectively a 360 degree joint.

Also has been said comparisons with humans is very limited as we walk on 2 legs so the biomechanics are very different to a quadruped dog.

Lateral suture is quick and easy and low risk. There was one study that showed conservative management with maintaining lean body weight and physio was comparable to more advanced surgeries at the 6 month outcome point so conservative can work even in bigger dogs (remember COVID...)

RE: Braces with cruciate disease

Dinu Catilina — Fri, 22 Aug 2025 10:57:03 GMT

I think the consensus is that stifle orthotics don't work in dogs, too much soft tissue to stabilise anything correctly. They work in humans because we have a fairly straight leg and there isn't much of a difference between the above and the below the knee areas.

A lateral suture is pretty easy and there are fortunately videos available on youtube

A quick google search:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dKrZtoSXU_k

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KO2XXTwXGOU

https://www.dvm360.com/view/upping-your-lateral-suture-game

We restrict exercise without cage resting for 6 weeks and they're definitely better that not having the surgery.

Buy some extra crimps and place 2 crimps instead of one for each line.

RE: Braces with cruciate disease

Elizabeth — Thu, 21 Aug 2025 20:39:27 GMT

I haven't mentioned it to be honest, but I don't think it's the cost that is the issue. More whether they can prevent a full tear assuming it is just partial at the moment.

I haven't done a lateral suture for a long time - may need to refresh my knowledge for those who can't afford a TPLO. What aftercare do you do for it?

RE: Braces with cruciate disease

Michael Woodhouse — Thu, 21 Aug 2025 09:09:07 GMT

Used one, once. Dog ended up sore and with extensive self trauma. Unsure what Sx has been disc but lateral suture quick and cheap?