01892-A: Development of Novel Knee Braces As an Alternative to Surgical Intervention in Cranial Cruciate Ligament Disease

Grant Amount: $12,960

Gina Bertocci, PhD; University of Louisville

November 1, 2012 - April 30, 2014

Sponsor(s):

Breed(s): Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Bernese Mountain Dog, Rottweiler, Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Leonberger, Border Collie, Border Terrier, Akita, Chow Chow, Newfoundland, German Wirehaired Pointer, Australian Terrier, Bearded Collie, Bulldog, Portuguese Water Dog, Great Pyrenees, Dogue de Bordeaux, Silky Terrier, Labrador Retriever, Small Munsterlander Pointer

Research Program Area: Musculoskeletal Conditions and Disease

Abstract

Stifle orthoses (braces) offer an alternative to surgical intervention for treatment of canine cruciate ligament disease, especially in patients that are poor anesthesia candidates, suffer significant co-morbidities, and are of advanced age or whose owners lack the financial means for more costly surgery. Dr. Bertocci's goal is to biomechanically assess the effectiveness of customized orthoses in stabilizing the CrCL-deficient stifle. She believes these orthoses need not necessarily work alone, but could also provide stifle stability in surgical patients pre- and post-operatively. This work will be done with the support of an industry partner, OrthoPets, a custom orthotics provider for pets, to facilitate rapid translation to patient care.

Publication(s)