Self-Retaining Braces For Canine Arthroscopy

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.