Article

A systematic analysis was conducted on the effectiveness of knee braces and foot
orthoses in conservative management of knee osteoarthritis. The methodologic
quality of the randomized clinical trials, controlled clinical trials,
and observational studies were systematically reviewed using the Structured
Effectiveness Quality Evaluation Scale. Twenty-five studies met the inclusion
criteria. The orthoses used in the studies included Generation II osteoarthritis
knee brace, valgus knee braces, functional off-loading knee braces, knee sleeves,
lateral-wedged insoles with subtalar strapping, medial-wedged insoles, and
specialized footwear. Results suggest that knee braces and foot orthoses are
effective in decreasing pain, joint stiffness, and drug dosage. They also improve
proprioception, balance, Kellgren/Lawrence grading, and physical function scores
in subjects with varus and valgus knee osteoarthritis.
Knee braces and foot
orthoses could be cautiously considered as conservative management for relief of
pain and stiffness and improving physical function for persons with knee osteoarthritis. The conclusions of this review are limited by methodologic
considerations like poor quality of trials and heterogeneity of interventions.

Langue : ANGLAIS