Orthotics and arthrodesis - is there a place for it?

Summary

Orthotics are being more frequently used in veterinary medicine and as such familiarity with this novel treatment option and the associated complications may be beneficial. There is controversy regarding the need of postoperative coaptation after arthrodesis and external coaptation can be associated with soft tissue complications. The benefit of an orthosis lies in allowing sagittal plan range of motion and the ability for the client to remove the device (i.e. ability to check for soft tissue complications). Particularly for partial carpal or tarsal arthrodesis application of an orthosis preserves health of the intact joint and for carpal arthrodesis may minimize further ligamentous injury (which may require pancarpal arthrodesis in the future). Because of the very limited number of scientific publications, objective portrayal of the indications, complications and success of this treatment method is not possible – clinical research is desperately needed in this field.

Orthotics

An orthotic (or orthosis) is defined as a device that supports an intact limb that has sustained an injury or is not functioning correctly. Orthotics offer the benefit that range of motion exercises can be performed while the device is removed and gradual loading can be applied when using it for the support of tendon repairs (such as Achilles tendon).¹ [...]