WIMBA Tarsal Orthosis

 

Table of Contents

 

• Content of the Box
• Description of the Orthosis Components
• Modular Parts
  • Fastening Straps with Fasteners
  • Tokens
  • Inserts

• Orthosis Fittings
• Recommended Use and Application
• Do’s and Don'ts of Your WIMBA Orthosis

 

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Content of the Box

Assembled orthosis with token set and suggested inserts 
Additional token sets (if ordered)
Spare mounting pins
Extras *

Description of the Orthosis Components

The WIMBA wrist orthosis consists of an (1) axis connected to (2) hinges  and (3) snap-fastening straps, (4) WIMBA tokens - (5) inserts (spacer cushions)  and  (6) pins for attaching the inserts.

 

 

Modular Parts

Fastening Straps with Fasteners

WIMBA orthoses are fastened with straps that utilize a  snap-fit system. The straps are adjustable, allowing for ease of placement on the animal’s limb as well as a better overall fit. Each strap has a pawl mechanism, preventing them from popping up by themselves. 

 

To fasten the strap, place it in the designated spot and slide it in. 

To unfasten the strap, press the outer button, unlocking the latch.

Note! It is important to ensure even tightening on both sides to avoid point loading.

Tokens

The WimbaTOKEN is a circular element placed in the centre of the orthosis hinge. The WimbaTOKEN is used both to completely stiffen the joint in the selected flexion or extension angle and to treat the dysfunction by controlling the range of motion in the joint.

To exchange the tokens:

Open the tokens you want to replace.
Look for dot markings on the inner axes of the orthosis and the tokens.
Fasten the new selected tokens according to the markings.
Parts of tokens with dots should be clipped in from the inside of the hinges.
Parts of tokens with a "W" should be fastened from the outside.

 

Token with One Dot

Token with Two Dots

 

Inserts

The whole product is complemented by sponge-like spacer cushions that make up the braces insert(s). These allow the orthosis to be placed securely and comfortably to the animal’s limb. The orthosis comes with spare mounting pins in case they are lost *. The cushion that sits on the Achilles tendon has a special V-shaped cutout.

* Mini version of the product does not include mounting pins to avoid skin irritation

To exchange the inserts:

1. Unfasten the orthosis by applying pressure to the fastening clip. 
2. Twist and pull mounting pins out of the inserts (if needed) and firmly pull on the insert to remove it from the orthosis.
3. Clip the desired inserts into the designated places on the straps.
4. From the outside, insert the mounting pin into the designated spot to prevent the inserts from falling off.
   
5. Press the pin and then twist it
   
   

Orthosis Fittings 

 

Step 1 - Prepare the Paw

Ensure it is clean and dry before applying the orthosis.

Locate the labels inside the brace that  indicate Right + Left/Back + Front to ensure the brace is being placed on the correct limb:

1. FL - front left, 
2. FR - front right. 

 

Step 2 - Positioning the Orthosis

Place the brace over the dog’s limb, ensuring correct orientation.

Fastening straps with cushions should be on the back, and the hinges on the right and left sides of the limb. 

Step 3 - Fastening the Orthosis

Insert the straps into the clip hole.

Fasten on a standing (or sitting) dog with the orthotic limb on the ground.

Lift the paw and bend it to ensure tokens are directly in line with the joint and there is no friction between the token and joint.

Step 4 - Ensuring Even Tightening

If the strap is fastened on both sides, ensure even tightening to avoid point loading.

Step 5 - 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, too low, not rotated internally or externally, and tokens are directly in line with the 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 (Tokens, Brace Frame) contact the animal's limb during any phase of the gait.

 

The correct fitting of the orthosis in the illustration below. Pay attention to:

1. The token must not be too close to the leg
   
2. Straps should be fastened evenly on one and the other side of the orthosis
   
3. The token must be at joint height 
   

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 for up to fifteen minutes while walking, a maximum of 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 behaviour. We recommend reading the behavioural 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

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.