WIMBA Carpus Orthosis Go

Possible signs include forelimb limping, reluctance to load one paw, a wrist that drops or buckles under weight, visible overextension, swelling, reduced activity or an altered stance. These signs can have different causes, including ligament or tendon injury, osteoarthritis, fracture, neurological disease or compensatory overload. A veterinary examination, and imaging when indicated, is needed before deciding whether an orthosis is appropriate.

Carpus Go is intended for selected dogs and cats with mild, predominantly sagittal-plane carpal instability. Current indications include mild laxity or hyperextension linked to weight shift or compensatory overload, carpal osteoarthritis and selected rehabilitation needs. Older, overweight or tripod patients may also be considered when the instability remains mild and the case meets the current size, anatomy and activity requirements. The prescribing clinician remains responsible for patient selection.

Carpus Go is the streamlined pathway for selected mild cases that mainly require control in the sagittal plane. It is ordered using manual measurements and two weight-bearing limb photographs, without WimbaSCAN. Carpus Pro is considered for more complex or multiplanar instability and uses WimbaSCAN plus manual measurements for scan-based modelling. A Pro version with paw support is available when the prescribed design also needs to address the distal limb.

Not automatically. The orthosis may contribute to conservative management or rehabilitation in a suitable mild case, but it does not repair a torn ligament, stabilise an unstable fracture or replace surgery when surgical treatment is indicated. Carpus Go is not intended for severe carpal collapse, instability outside the sagittal plane, acute post-operative cases requiring strict immobilisation or high-impact activity such as sprinting, agility and repetitive jumping. These cases require a different clinical pathway.

A veterinary professional collects the required manual measurements and takes two weight-bearing photographs of the limb. The data are uploaded through WimbaAPP, so no plaster cast or WimbaSCAN is required for the Go pathway. WIMBA uses those patient-specific inputs to design and 3D print the orthosis. The first fitting should take place at the WIMBA Provider’s clinic, where alignment, gait and skin contact can be checked and the owner can learn correct application.

WIMBA Tokens are interchangeable hinge components that determine the movement available within the orthosis. Depending on the selected setting, they can provide firmer support or allow controlled motion within a prescribed range. Token choice should match the patient’s pathology, biomechanics and rehabilitation goal. Owners should not change the range of motion independently; token changes should follow instructions from the veterinarian or rehabilitation professional.

The daily schedule and total treatment period depend on the diagnosis, activity and therapeutic goal. The current WIMBA manual starts the standard acclimatisation schedule with supervised 15-minute controlled sessions and increases wear time progressively. The treating professional may modify this plan for the individual patient. The orthosis is not intended for 24-hour use, and the pet should never be left unattended while wearing it.

The brace should remain correctly positioned during gait, with the Tokens aligned over the carpal joint and no twisting, slipping, excessive compression or hard components contacting the limb. Check the skin during and after use, especially around the dewclaw and pressure points. If swelling, abrasion, skin damage, new pain, persistent discomfort, marked gait change or device damage appears, remove the orthosis and contact the WIMBA Provider before continuing.

Hand-clean the device with lukewarm water and mild soap, using a soft cloth or sponge when needed, then allow it to air dry completely. Clean it after contact with mud, sand, salt water, chlorine, snow or other debris. Do not machine wash, tumble dry, use a hair dryer, heat the orthosis or modify its structure. Before each use, confirm that the device is clean, undamaged and correctly assembled.

Published veterinary evidence suggests that custom carpal orthoses may support function in selected patients, but the evidence base remains limited. A prospective study found objective gait improvement in most of the small subgroup of assessed carpal patients, while also reporting frequent skin and mechanical complications. Because the study had no untreated control group, the benefit attributable to the orthosis alone is uncertain. Careful fitting, gradual introduction and planned follow-up are therefore essential.