Custom Knee Brace Measurement Guide
In order to get the best fit for your pet's custom knee brace, it is crucial that you provide us with accurate measurements in addition to the cast you create with the included casting kit. The cast helps us build a brace that will fit your dog's leg, but these measurements allow us to ensure that the brace will be able to accommodate your dog's gait during its expected range of motion.
You will need...
A CLOTH MEASURING TAPE
If you don't have one, you will receive one with the casting kit AOC is sending you.
A CAMERA
You will need to take photos of the measurements and upload these images as part of your submission, a digital camera (like the one included in most smartphones) is great for this. Otherwise you will need to scan the pictures you take so that they can be attached - in this case, be sure that the numbers on the measuring tape are clearly visible.
PLENTY OF SPACE
Space for your dog to lay on their side comfortably, with room for you and your helper to move around the dog. Note that if you are ordering a pair of braces, you will need to measure the dog laying on both sides to get accurate measurements of both legs.
TWO PEOPLE
We strongly recommend that you have at least two people present to position and steady your dog for the most accurate measurements.
Important Terminology
There are a few terms of anatomy you will want to know for this process.
- Knee Protrusion: If you feel your dog's knees, you will notice two bumps, or protrusions, at the top and bottom of the knee. These are helpful reference points that you will use during these measurements.
- Hock: The hock is the raised portion of the back of your dog's leg. Even though it sits much higher on the leg than you might expect, it is equivalent to our ankle!
- Tibial Tuberosity: A bit of a mouthful, the tibial tuberosity is a raised area at the front of your dog's tibia, where the tendon that runs along your dog's knee connects to the bone.
Beginning the Measuring Process
First, you will want to lay your dog on their side, with the leg you are not measuring flat against the ground. Be patient, gentle, and encouraging with your dog, especially if they have a recent injury; they may resist you handling their leg to get these measurements.
Position your dog's leg as shown in this illustration. You want the hip, knee, and hock flexed so you can easily get the three measurements we require to make your dog's brace.
Use a cloth measuring tape as instructed to gather the measurements. It is important to keep the tape taut and flat against your dog's leg, without gaps, bulges, or loops.
Ensure the area you are measuring your dog's leg in is well-lit. Take clear pictures of each measurement, and check your pictures to be sure that the position of the tape and the numbers on the tape are clearly visible. As you enter each measurement into the form on this site you will also upload the relevant picture of that measurement.
Enter the measurements in their provided fields. Confirm that the measurement you are entering matches the image you are uploading. Don't be afraid to go back and measure again!
Measurement 1: Thigh Length
- Place the "0" of your measuring tape at the bend of your dog's groin.
- Measure along the leg to the first protrusion of the knee, where the knee cap (patella) begins.
- Photograph the measurement and enter the value into Field 1.
Measurement 2: Knee Length
1. Place the "0" of your measuring tape at the first protrusion of your dog's knee.
2. Measure to the tibial tuberosity - the place just past the second protrusion of your dog's knee where the tibia bone begins.
3. Photograph the measurement and enter the value into Field 2.
Measurement 3: Tibia Length
1. Place the "0" of your measuring tape at the first protrusion of the knee.
2. Measure to the back of the hock.
3. Photograph your measurement and enter the value into Field 3.
