David
I don't envy the decision you face.
One thing that I believe to be true is that you have some time to decide if you can immobilize the knee.
While our brace was being fabricated we wrapped the knee with a Ace bandage.
Were I to contemplate the issue for myself I might consider making a brace out of molded leather. The carbon was great but after seeing how it functioned I believe an articulated leather holster would be equally effective. You might also consider shopping for an elbow brace or child's knee brace as a starting point for fabricating a brace if you decide that direction works for you.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1283538803.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1283538816.jpg

Another TPLO success here. Our Lab tore her CCL about a year ago, maybe a bit longer. It healed quick and perfect.

No complaints here. We paid about $3200.

She is healthy and swimming again.

t.