Orthopedic Condition Rehabilitation Flashcards

Which regenerative therapy is currently used as an adjunct in canine rehabilitation for conditions like stifle osteoarthritis and involves intra-articular injection of growth factor-rich plasma derived from the patient's own blood?

Answer: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) concentrates growth factors from autologous blood and is injected intra-articularly to promote tissue repair and reduce inflammation in osteoarthritis.

When using neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) to facilitate quadriceps muscle re-education post-TPLO, which parameter setting produces a visible muscle contraction appropriate for early rehabilitation?

Answer: Frequency 50–80 Hz, pulse width 200–400 µs, intensity producing visible contraction

NMES for muscle re-education uses 50–80 Hz with 200–400 µs pulse width at an intensity sufficient to produce a visible, comfortable muscle tetanic contraction.

A small-breed dog is diagnosed with medial compartment disease (MCD) of the elbow. Which surgical procedure is commonly followed by an intensive rehabilitation program targeting elbow flexor strengthening?

Answer: Sliding humeral osteotomy (SHO)

Sliding humeral osteotomy (SHO) shifts weight-bearing to the lateral compartment of the elbow, and post-op rehabilitation focuses on restoring flexor strength and ROM.

Which manual therapy technique is most appropriate during the acute inflammatory phase (days 1–5) following orthopedic surgery in a companion animal?

Answer: Gentle passive range of motion within pain-free limits

Gentle passive ROM within pain-free limits is appropriate in the acute phase to prevent adhesion formation without disrupting tissue healing.

A dog with intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) affecting L3–L4 has recovered motor function and is now in the late rehabilitation phase. Which core stabilization exercise is most appropriate?

Answer: Standing on an inflatable balance disc with perturbation challenges

Balance disc standing with perturbation challenges activates deep paraspinal and abdominal core stabilizers, which are essential for protecting the lumbar spine in late-stage IVDD rehabilitation.

Which splint or orthotic device is most commonly used as a conservative management tool for canine carpal hyperextension injury caused by palmar fibrocartilage disruption?

Answer: Custom carpal orthosis maintaining the carpus in slight flexion

A custom carpal orthosis maintains the carpus in a slightly flexed, neutral position to support the palmar structures and prevent hyperextension while allowing controlled weight-bearing.

When performing goniometry to measure stifle flexion in a dog, which landmark serves as the axis (fulcrum) of the goniometer?

Answer: Lateral epicondyle of the femur

The lateral epicondyle of the femur serves as the goniometer axis for stifle measurements, with the proximal arm aligned along the femoral shaft and the distal arm along the tibial shaft.