Case presentation

Keti is a 5-year-old Samoyed who presented with lameness and severe carpal hyperextension of the left front limb. Despite the orthopedic issue, Keti remained in very good general health and maintained a moderate to high activity level, including short runs, fetch with minimal jumping, off-trail hikes, and play with other dogs.

Diagnostic imaging revealed a fracture of the medial styloid process of the radius, as well as the medial portion of the medial carpal bone. These fractures were chronic in nature. Secondary carpal hyperextension was also identified, most likely associated with soft tissue and ligamentous injury.

WIMBA Carpus Orthosis Pro was introduced to improve limb function and provide external support to the affected limb while helping avoid panarthrodesis of the carpal joint. The treatment goal was to stabilize the limb, improve comfort during activity, and support long-term function with a fair to favorable outcome.

Physiotherapist’s Goals

The primary goal was to improve limb function and stabilize the affected carpus in the presence of severe hyperextension and lateral instability. Considering the chronic fractures and likely ligamentous soft tissue injury, treatment was aimed at supporting the limb, improving weight-bearing, and reducing abnormal motion within the carpal joint.

Additionally, the physiotherapist sought to preserve Keti’s mobility and activity level while minimizing discomfort and the risk of further deterioration. An important objective of the treatment plan was to avoid carpal joint panarthrodesis and support a fair to favorable functional outcome.

Medical Examination

Keti presented with lameness and severe hyperextension of the left carpus. Despite the orthopedic condition, the patient was in very good general health, with no neurological deficits noted on examination.

Diagnostic imaging revealed chronic fractures involving the medial styloid process of the radius and the medial portion of the medial carpal bone. Secondary “bear paw” deformity was observed, most likely associated with soft tissue injury involving the ligamentous apparatus. Lateral instability was also present.

Considering the chronic nature of the lesions, preserved overall condition, and Keti’s moderate to high activity level, the case was considered manageable with a fair to favorable functional outcome possible. The treatment plan focused on external stabilization and functional support of the limb.

Therapy and Results

Keti was managed conservatively with a WIMBA Carpus Orthosis Pro to support the left carpus, reduce hyperextension, and improve function of the affected limb. The goal of therapy was to provide stability, protect the joint during activity, and help avoid surgical panarthrodesis.

At the first re-check, significant improvement was noted within the carpal joint. Hyperextension had decreased, and the limb showed clear progress, allowing the physiotherapist to move forward with the next stage of functional recovery. The outcome demonstrated improved support, better joint control, and encouraging progress toward more normal limb use.

Feedback from WIMBA Providers

“Keti came to us with severe carpal hyperextension and clear functional impairment of the limb. One of the key goals was to improve stability of the carpus, support limb function, and help avoid surgical intervention. At the first follow-up, we noted significant improvement in the joint, with reduced hyperextension and encouraging progress in function. The brace became an important part of Keti’s management, supporting both comfort and gradual return to more natural limb use.”

WIMBA Carpus Orthosis Pro should be used according to the veterinarian’s medical recommendations; WIMBA is not responsible for misuse or any activity beyond veterinary guidance.