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      WIMBA Stifle Brace

       

      READ BEFORE USE:

      1. Read the entire product manual before use.
      2. WIMBA products are medical devices available only from authorized partners.
      3. The orthosis is one of the elements of an individual treatment plan - follow the recommendations of the veterinarian or physiotherapist ordering the use of the orthosis in terms of time, frequency and method of use.
      4. The orthosis is not intended for 24/7 use.
      5. Never leave your pet unattended with the orthosis in place.
      6. We do not recommend using the orthosis on affected skin.
      7. Prolonged exposure to very low and high temperatures, washing in a washing machine, drying with a dryer, modifying or interfering in any way with the structural integrity of the orthosis is prohibited.
      8. The dog is a living animal. The process of getting used to wearing medical supplies may be different for each dog. We recommend using positive methods such as desensitization, counter-conditioning and medical training using positive reinforcement.
      9. If you have any doubts about the use of the product or if the device is damaged, please contact your seller.
      10. The full terms of the warranty are described in the warranty card included with the product.



      Table of Contents

      Content of the Box

      Description of the Brace

      Modular Parts

      Hinges with Tokens

      TTS System

      Fastening Straps

      Inserts

      Orthosis Fittings

      Recommended Use and Application

      Do’s and Don'ts of Your WIMBA Orthosis

       

       

      Content of the Box

      1. Assembled orthosis with token set and inserts 
      2. Additional token sets (if ordered)
      3. Additional items (if ordered*)
      4. The Tokens Tool

      * Please refer to the WIMBA App for order details

      Description of the Brace

      The WIMBA Stifle Brace consists of 3 main parts:

      1. (1) shell above the knee, 
      2. (2) shell under the knee and 
      3. (3) shell on the tarsus. 

      All of them are fastened with TPU fixing Velcro straps. 

      1. Those parts are connected by hinges (4, 5). 

      Modular Parts

      Hinges with Tokens

      Hinges in WIMBA stifle brace are fully detachable. 

      To open the hinge:

      1. Use the Tokens Tool (1)  - put it on the cap (2)
         
      2. Twist it counter-clockwise
      3. Pull the cap (2) out of the hinge (3b)
      4. Pull on the hinge parts (3a, 3b) gently away from each other

      To exchange a token:

      1. Pull out the colored token (4) from the hinge (3a)
      2. Take the desired token and insert it with the sticking part* into the hole in the hinge (3a)

      Look for dot markings on the tokens indicating on which side they should be used: one dot - left token, two dots - right token.

      To close the hinge:


      1. Push two parts of hinge together (3a, 3b) - make sure that shell above the knee and shell under the knee are correctly oriented
      2. Put the cap (2) on
      3. Put the Tool (1) on the cap (2)
      4. Using the Tool (1) twist the cap (2) clockwise until it clicks
      5. Pull out the Token Tool (1)

      * Tokens for knee joint are triangle shaped, tokens for tarsal joint are rectangle shaped

      Knee Tokens:

       

      Tarsal Tokens:

      TTS System

      The TTS System in the WIMBA Stifle Brace provides adjustable support for the tibial tuberosity, offering direct support under the bony eminence for additional stability.  

      To adjust positioning: 

      1. Pull on the TTS System horizontally 
      2. Put it back as high or as low as you need*

      * maximum range is marked on the inside

      Fastening Straps 

      The WIMBA Stifle Brace consists of four TPU fixing Velcro straps, allowing for optimal positioning and seamless adjustment for the best fit. With their smooth regulation and secure fastening they ensure effortless closure and stability of the orthosis.

      Inserts

      The whole product is complemented by sponge-like spacer cushions - TPU inserts. This feature ensures the orthosis adopts to anatomy and remains securely in place while providing optimal support.

      Orthosis Fittings 

       

       

      Step 1 - Prepare the Paw

      Put the dog in recumbency on the side, affected limb up.

      Ensure the limb is clean and dry before applying the orthosis.

       

      Step 2 - Positioning of the Orthosis

      Method 1

      1. Unfasten the Velcro and loosen the straps so that you can put the limb inside the orthosis.
      2. Place the brace over the dog’s limb, ensuring correct orientation.

      Method 2

      1. Unfasten hinges and disassemble the orthosis into three components - shell above the knee, shell under the knee, shell on tarsus.
      2. Unfasten the Velcro and loosen the straps.
      3. Place the disassembled shell above the knee over the dog’s limb.
      4. Place the shell under the knee over the dog’s limb.
      5. Fasten the hinges between those two back in place.
      6. Place the shell on the tarsus.
      7. Fasten the hinges between tarsal and tibial components.

       

      Step 3 - Fastening the Orthosis

      Fasten the Velcro straps.

      Ensure hinges are directly in line with the joint and there is no friction between the hinge and joint. 

       

      Step 4 - Correct Fit

      A properly fitted and used orthosis contains the following elements:

      1. The brace is in the correct position on the animal’s limb, not too high, not too low, not rotated internally or externally, hinges are directly in line with joint
      2. It stays in the correct place during the animal's gait, without twisting or sliding down.
      3. The brace is not overly tight and does not provoke pressure sores on the dog’s limb.
      4. No hard elements of the brace (Hinges, Brace frame) contact the animal's limb during any phase of the gait.

      Right / left side




      Front / rear part

       

      Note! It is important to monitor your animal at all times to ensure these principles are followed while wearing the orthosis.

      VERY IMPORTANT

      If swelling or skin damage appears, remove the orthosis immediately and contact your veterinarian for better fitting tips.

      Recommended Use and Application

      1. WIMBA orthosis is a medical device and  should be used solely at the discretion of a veterinarian or physiotherapist.
      2. During the first week of use, the orthosis should be worn up to for fifteen minutes while walking, maximum three times a day. Subsequently, increase the wearing time every two days by fifteen minutes. The time frame may vary  depending on the case and the dog's behavior. We recommend reading the behavioral guide.

      Recommended Wear Schedule

      DAY

      TIME

      FREQUENCY

      1

      15 Minutes

      Up to 3 times a day

      2

      15 Minutes

      Up to 3 times a day

      3

      30 Minutes

      Up to 3 times a day

      4

      30 Minutes

      Up to 3 times a day

      5

      45 Minutes

      Up to 3 times a day

      VERY IMPORTANT

      The veterinarian or physiotherapist should guide the animal throughout the entire course of treatment period. It is recommended that wearing schedules ONLY be modified by the veterinarian or therapist to meet therapeutic goals.

      WIMBA orthosis should never be used for 24 hours a day!

      While using the orthosis, the dog must be under constant surveillance of the owner.

      Do’s and Don'ts of Your WIMBA Orthosis:

      1. DO rinse  WIMBA orthosis of any chemicals such as salt water, chlorine, sand, soil and mud after daily activities. When drying, remove any excess water from orthosis to avoid the growth of bacteria and fungi.
      2. DO clean and hand dry your orthosis.
      3. DO NOT wash orthosis in a washing machine or use a hair dryer to dry orthosis.
      4. DO NOT heat or modify the orthosis in any way that could alter the structural integrity of the orthosis.
      5. DO NOT allow prolonged exposure of orthosis to low and high temperatures. Failure to do so could result in brace not functioning properly due to material deformation 
      6. DO NOT USE  on abrasions or other skin injuries.
      7. DO NOT allow your pet to bite the orthosis. It is necessary to monitor the dog while using the orthosis and not to leave the dog alone with the orthosis.
      8. DO NOT modify the structure of the orthosis.