| 摘要 |
Method and apparatus are disclosed for treatment of various defects in an an animal's leg, particularly the leg of an equine. The apparatus includes a brace attached to the animal's leg at three points. Two pivotal connectors are arranged to be adjacent the knee and ankle joints of a horse's leg, and the spacing between opposed connectors is adequate to accommodate any expected varus or valgus deviation. A pad is provided for engaging a deviated joint and pulling it against a side of the brace to correct the deviation. In accordance with the method of the invention, deviation is corrected by applying the brace to the leg and pulling the deviated joint into its correct position by application of a force with the pad. The pivotal connectors include stop elements to limit the extent of angular motion. A method for treatment of contracture is disclosed whereby a brace is applied to the contracted leg, and the leg is extended in successive steps and prevented from returning to the contracted position by application of the stops. The brace may be applied to either the foreleg or the rear leg of an animal by a simple modification.
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