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Arthritis Unloader Knee Supports - Single Hinge vs Double Hinge
According to USA Today, the number of knee replacement surgeries has increased significantly over the past 20 years, costing our government over $5 billion. This amount will continue to increase as the baby boom generation continues to age. New technologies are being used to reduce the need for knee replacements. Stem cell treatments, partial knee replacements, arthrosurfacing and HemiCap implants are just some of the new treatments being used as alternatives to the joint-destroying procedure called total knee. Another existing conservative treatment is the use of the arthritis or “unloader” knee brace. These rigid frame braces have been used for over a decade and are designed to reduce contact between the femur and tibia...
Arthritis Unloader Knee Supports - Single Hinge vs Double Hinge
According to USA Today, the number of knee replacement surgeries has increased significantly over the past 20 years, costing our government over $5 billion. This amount will continue to increase as the baby boom generation continues to age. New technologies are being used to reduce the need for knee replacements.
Stem cell treatments, partial knee replacements, arthrosurfacing and HemiCap implants are just some of the new treatments being used as alternatives to the joint-destroying procedure called total knee.
Another existing conservative treatment is the use of the arthritis or “unloader” knee brace. These rigid frame braces have been used for over a decade and are designed to reduce “bone-to-bone” contact between the femur and tibia. These arthritis braces are limited because they can only be used in one piece. If both compartments of the knee (medial and lateral) have severe arthritis with a lack of cartilage and synovial fluid, unloader-type braces will not be effective. In cases of patients with medial or lateral unicompartmental osteoarthritis, these types of knee braces can have a significant impact on a patient's activity by reducing the pain and swelling associated with arthritis of the knee and extending the life expectancy of the knee until these new technologies can be applied.
Most unloading knee braces work in two ways and use the same basic effect to relieve tension in one of the two compartments of the knee joint. When the medial or internal compartment of the knee is affected, radiographic deformity or flexion of the knee joint may be observed on radiographs and, if severe, clinically when a patient is standing.
Likewise, if the lateral or external compartment is affected, a valgus deformity or knee knee develops. Some braces, such as the Breg Fusion and X2K OA Knee Brace, apply pressure directly to the knee joint to correct the varus or valgus deformity and “straighten the knee.” This has the effect of reducing the pressure on the affected knee compartment and distributing the weight between the orthosis and the other compartment.
Braces like the DonJoy Nano or the OA Adjuster bend the thigh and leg into a straight position instead of putting direct pressure on the knee joint. This type of unloading knee brace works well for patients with severe arthritis and palpable pain and pressure on the knee joint. For severe arthritis with patients in severe pain, results can be very instantaneous.
In recent years, hinged arthritis braces have come onto the market with the advantage of being lighter and more comfortable to wear.
How does a doctor or patient choose between a single or dual joint arthritis brace? And how do you choose between direct knee correction or thigh/leg correction?
The choice really depends on the patient and certain factors that would negate some of your decisions. Typically, younger individuals benefit from double joint braces as they provide additional knee stability to protect the meniscus, collateral ligaments, and ACL/PCL.
Active athletes and individuals who participate in higher impact and contact sports have additional benefits when using a double hinge brace. Older individuals or those with more sedentary lifestyles may benefit more from single-hinge braces due to the added comfort and fit of these devices.
Patients with severe knee swelling or knees that do not conform to standard off-the-shelf measurements may benefit from single-hinge braces to provide a better fit and less restriction of knee swelling. Newer models are designed for women and are aimed at a wider pelvis and increased Q-angle.
When choosing a knee brace, it is always best to consult your treating physician, therapist or physician. You can use clinical and radiological findings to determine which unloading knee brace is best for your situation.
If you go online and purchase an arthritis knee brace without knowing your condition, your situation could become significantly worse and increasingly painful. It is always recommended that when purchasing an arthritis knee brace online, you choose a company that has experience with such medical products and can help guide you and your doctor in the right direction.
Inspired by Dr. Kenneth Shapiro