Article

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. 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. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Various
conservative modalities have been used to reduce pain and improve function in
medial compartment osteoarthritis. A new design of an unloader knee orthosis has
been developed and is shown to have immediate benefits in patients with mild
medial knee osteoarthritis.
CI - (c) The International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics 2014.

Langue : ANGLAIS