Bird bracing
Paul Rieth
Description
Collection
Title:
Bird bracing
Creator:
Paul Rieth
Date:
7/24/2002
Text:
I had a request from a veterinarian for ideas on bracing legs on small
birds. According to the vet, traditionally, when a leg is casted, it
is non-articulated. However, this stresses the bird, making it
difficult to hop around on one leg. This sometimes leads to damage to
the good leg. Thus, a brace that is semi-articulated or articulated
would be beneficial.
The only way I thought to address this was to take the cast, let it
set, then cut out the anterior and posterior sections with a dremel
(cast still on bird), leaving some casting material (plastic based) on
both sides of the knee, allowing some degree of flexion/extension.
Taking an impression, removing it, and fabricating a brace did not seem
feasible due to the small diameter of the extremity (pencil-size).
Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. Also, types of plastic
used..i.e. polyethylene. Thanks in advance.
Paul Rieth, CPO
birds. According to the vet, traditionally, when a leg is casted, it
is non-articulated. However, this stresses the bird, making it
difficult to hop around on one leg. This sometimes leads to damage to
the good leg. Thus, a brace that is semi-articulated or articulated
would be beneficial.
The only way I thought to address this was to take the cast, let it
set, then cut out the anterior and posterior sections with a dremel
(cast still on bird), leaving some casting material (plastic based) on
both sides of the knee, allowing some degree of flexion/extension.
Taking an impression, removing it, and fabricating a brace did not seem
feasible due to the small diameter of the extremity (pencil-size).
Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. Also, types of plastic
used..i.e. polyethylene. Thanks in advance.
Paul Rieth, CPO
Citation
Paul Rieth, “Bird bracing,” Digital Resource Foundation for Orthotics and Prosthetics, accessed November 2, 2024, https://library.drfop.org/items/show/219225.
