A novel biomechanically designed orthosis for the bovine claw

Objectives

To develop a novel orthopedic orthosis based on the anatomy and biomechanics of the bovine claw that can be used for claw friendly unloading in the therapy of claw diseases.

Materials and methods

The orthosis is made of different synthetic materials and has a two-layer structure. It is intended for application to the healthy claw of a limb with a damaged second claw to relieve the latter. It consists of a cushioning layer and a support layer. The hardness of the cushion layer depends on the hardness of the claw horn. In addition, the cushioning layer is extended in the region of the heel to reduce the additional load of the entire weight on the healthy claw. The supporting layer has a reinforcement in the area of the bearing edge, so that at this point the pressure forces are absorbed and transferred by the suspending structures of the claw. The orthosis is rounded at the ends so that it is easier to put on and take off. Attachment to the healthy claw is accomplished by an activatable adhesive that is already applied to the orthotic surface. The adhesive connection is not a fixed barrier layer, but transmits acting forces while maintaining a durable connection. [...]