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The influence of a bespoke unloader knee brace on gait in medial compartment osteoarthritis: A pilot study

Arazpour, M; Hutchins, SW; Bani, MA; Curran, S; Aksenov, A

Authors

M Arazpour

SW Hutchins

MA Bani

S Curran

A Aksenov



Abstract

Background: Patients suffering from mild-to-moderate medial compartment knee osteoarthritis may be treated with an unloader knee orthosis. However, compliance has been shown to be an issue with such devices. Objectives: The aim of this study was to identify the effects of a new design of knee unloader orthosis on specific gait parameters in patients with mild-to-moderate medial knee osteoarthritis. Methods: The gait of seven patients was assessed in two conditions: without an orthosis and when wearing a new design of unloader knee orthosis. Gait analysis was performed to determine alterations to the adduction moment, speed of walking, step length, cadence and knee sagittal plane range of motion during ambulation for the two test conditions. Results: The knee adduction moment was significantly reduced (p = 0.001), and the speed of walking significantly increased (p < 0.001) when wearing the orthosis. However, a reduction in knee range of motion (p = 0.002) and an increase in step length (p < 0.001) were observed with the orthosis donned. Cadence was not significantly altered (p = 0.504). Conclusion: The use of a new design of unloader knee orthosis as a conservative treatment approach for patients with mild-to-moderate medial compartment osteoarthritis appears warranted.

Citation

Arazpour, M., Hutchins, S., Bani, M., Curran, S., & Aksenov, A. (2014). The influence of a bespoke unloader knee brace on gait in medial compartment osteoarthritis: A pilot study. Prosthetics and Orthotics International, 38(5), 379-386. https://doi.org/10.1177/0309364613504780

Journal Article Type Article
Publication Date Jan 1, 2014
Deposit Date Oct 19, 2016
Journal Prosthetics and Orthotics International
Print ISSN 0309-3646
Publisher SAGE Publications
Volume 38
Issue 5
Pages 379-386
DOI https://doi.org/10.1177/0309364613504780
Publisher URL http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0309364613504780


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