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I design and make prototypes for orthopedic knee braces, and am thinking about diving into the realm of 3D printing for the countless of possible benefits. Has anyone experimented with printing scaffolding for knee brace prototypes, or willing to try? If so, what would be the best way to take the dimension/ blueprints and convert them into STL?

If anyone is interested and wants to grab some coffee and talk specifics/ options, don’t hesitate to message me.

Thanks for the help everyone!

Nick Casey

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Hey Nick, sounds like an interesting project. Have you connected with eNABLE? On the design front, you can also find a Minneapolis Hub who offers CAD design to help you convert your designs into STL’s and contact them via their Hub profile. Shout if there is anything we can do to help get you started here.

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Hello Nick,

I have access to CAD software and professional 3D Printers! We would be happy to answer your questions and provide a quote!

Cheers!

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Thanks for the help, Nikki!

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Thanks for the reply! Should we start by me emailing you the dimensions and drawings of what I have in mind? I appreciate the help.

Sincerely,

Nicholas Casey

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Hey Nick,

Your project sounds really interesting! If you are still looking for help feel free to contact me through my hub. (you cant post direct contact information here) I have professional experience in the design of medical devices and 3D CAD design.

Here is a link to my hub to contact me

https://www.3dhubs.com/minneapolis/hubs/matt

Thanks,

Matt

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Hello Nicholas,

Yes! Use my owenschristopherllc@gmail.com email to start and let me see what you have in mind! I look forward to working with you!

Cheers!

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If your using a cad program already, check to see if it will create an STL. If it will, it’s that simple. Then find someone on 3d hubs who’s willing to try it.

I’ve got no experience with “scaffolding” though I understand it’s purpose, but I’d take a shot at it:)

This is a somewhat simple response, but is it close to what your wondering about?

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Oops, I didn’t check to see if anybody responded to you. Looks like you have plenty of offerings. Good luck!

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Hey Christopher, thanks for the input. Moving forward, would you please use a link to your Hub as means of contact? Thanks

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https://www.3dhubs.com/chicago/hubs/christopher . There is my hub!

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Thank you for reaching out! I greatly appreciate it.

Nick

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Hello Nick!

I’m new to this forum so bear with me. Trying to figure out how things work here. :slight_smile:

Anyways, I searched for “Dog Knee Braces” and your thread popped up.

Backstory: My dad’s dog has a CCL (i.e. ACL) tear. Operations start at $1500 and not a guarantee. He can’t afford that. I started researching alternatives and found dog knee braces, but those are too expensive as well. So I started researching on how to make own, but How-Tos online are not that great.

Do you have any ideas/plans on how to make knee braces for dogs (60 lbs) that you can share? Any help would be appreciated!

charlie_d

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Hi Charlie!

I apologize for the late response, but I did look into things slightly. I haven’t delved into the realm of animal orthopedics, but would be willing to learn as much as I possibly can in order to help you with this problem. I feel a 3d printed dog brace would be quite simple and easy to design and manufacture. Could you get me the dimensions (height, width, circumference around joints, etc) of for dogs leg. I would love to draw up a design and refer you to someone who would be able to print it directly for you.

Sincerely,

Nicholas Casey

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Hi Nicholas, me too, sorry for responding late and thank you for your interest and help.

First, wondering if you can print a 3"-4" collar strong enough that it keeps the dog from reaching/biting his knee & airy/cool weather wise. (The cones put on pets after surgery is a bit much & the 'bite free collars" would be too hot.)

Here’s why I need the collar: Since not able to afford the surgery/dog knee braces, I’ve been wrapping his knee in white medical tape daily only for walks because he bites off the tape upon return. And I’m sure he would bite off the braces once placed on his knees.

Please let know if possible. I’d hate to put the braces on him only for him to destroy them.

I await your response! Again, THANK-YOU!

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Hi Nicholas,

I was wondering if I can post an image of a dog’s side view (i.e. black silhouette) as an aid but not too sure if I can post the image since I don’t own it (i.e. shutterstock/getty images). I’d like to use it as reference for the measurements you need.

Let me know. Again, thanks for your help.

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Just an update. I tried measuring the knee joint and it’s about 10 inches (circumference)…thx again!

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Hi Nick,

Just came across this, similar to Charlie, and was wondering if you had made an attempt on the dog brace? I have small dog (~25lbs) who has torn her ACL(CCL) and the vet would like to perform surgery for $3500. This just isn’t an option, and I was looking for alternatives. I’ve seen 3D printing use for other leg braces, even mouth braces and thought maybe there was an option for dog knee braces.

Thoughts on this? Let me know and thank you in advance,

Greg

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I think this would be great! I currently am only designing human orthopedic braces at the moment, but the need for pet braces has inspired me enough to go that route now. Do you have dimensions of your dogs leg and/or photos? Let me see if I can help! I am sorry to hear about the price of your pets procedure. That must me a really tough situation to be in and hopefully I will be able to assist in some way, shape or form.

Stay strong!

Nick

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Hi Charlie! Thank you for reaching out and I do apologize about the late response, sometimes 3D Hubs doesnt notify me when I have a new message. I just stared designing animal braces due to the need. What kind of dog go you have and what is he/she approximate height? Also, I am sorry to hear about the how expensive the operations are, hopefully we can work together and figure something out.

Sincerely,

Nick