Design of a Prototype Limb Orthosis of the Canis Lupus Familiaris for Hip Support in Dysplasia and Surgical Recovery Processes

This study aimed to design a prototype of an orthosis to improve the stability of the hind limbs of the German Shepherd Dog (Canis Lupus Familiaris) for the treatment of hip dysplasia and support in the process of surgical recovery of the hip. A bibliographic review was carried out of the parameters of the flexion-extension segments and angles for each joint and thus to calculate the stress exerted on the hip joint involved in hip dysplasia while the dog is in motion or in a static position. A static and dynamic force study was conducted as part of this biomechanical study to propose a prototype design. The prototype was designed with CAD Inventor and Solidworks Software version 2019 under design criteria that included: be a comfortable prototype, easy to handle, adjustable, easy to manufacture with a biocompatible material, affordable, and that allows the dog to walk and adopt any posture easily. The hip orthosis design developed in this study can support surgical recovery processes, decrease the degree of dysplasia and even decrease the effects of osteoarthritis, thus improving the dog’s quality of life and providing a starting point for development of this type of orthosis in dogs of other breeds.