BACKGROUND Excessive knee valgus moments are considered to be a risk factor for non-contact injuries in female athletes. Knee injuries are highly prevalent in netballers and are significant in terms of cost and disability. The aim of the study was to identify if changes in external ankle support mechanisms effect the range of motion and loading patterns at the ankle and knee joint during a side...

In a spring-mass model (Figure 1-A), the stiffness of the leg spring (leg stiffness; Kleg) is thought to be an important factor in musculoskeletal performance in hopping, running and jumping [1]. Despite the fact that many athletic activities are performed with joint stabilizers, little is known about the Kleg with ankle and/or knee braces. A previous study demonstrated that neither ankle tapin...

Custom-made and off-the-shelf functional knee orthoses from four manufacturers were evaluated. Anterior tibial translation testing was performed using a pneumatic mechanical surrogated knee. The mechanical surrogate was interfaced with a servohydraulic materials testing system, which applied all anterior/posterior displacements to an ultimate anterior load of 400 N. Comparison of the individual...

+Kuhn, M J; Mahfouz, M R; Anderle, M R; Komistek, R D; Dennis, D A; Nachtrab, D +University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA, Colorado Joint Replacement, Denver, CO, USA [email protected] INTRODUCTION: Many nonoperative techniques exist to alleviate pain in unicompartmental osteoarthritic knees including physical therapy, heel wedges and off-loading knee braces [1]. Arthritic knee braces are pa...

Purpose  The aim of this study was to assess the effect of knee bracing and timing of full weight bearing after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) on functional outcomes at mid-term follow-up. Methods  We performed a retrospective study on 41 patients with ACLR. Patients were divided in two groups: ACLR group, who received isolated ACL reconstruction and ACLR-OI group who received...

BACKGROUND The role of knee bracing in anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions is controversial. HYPOTHESIS Functional bracing will have an effect on subsequent knee injury in skiers with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. STUDY DESIGN Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS From 1991 to 1997, 11606 skiers at a major destination ski resort underwent preseason knee screening...

The widely used above-the-knee prosthesis is composed of a quadri­ lateral muscle-contour, wooden thigh socket, a knee mechanism, a wooden shank, a SACH foot, and a suitable pelvic suspension. This type of pros­ thesis has met with considerable success in most patients, but it is expensive and not all geriatric patients can wear it. A so-called temporary limb—a modified long brace with a leathe...

BACKGROUND Conservative treatment protocols to effectively treat knee flexion motion restrictions are dependent in part on the torque applied to the joint. HYPOTHESES Clinicians apply greater torque with the test leg in a simulated prone position than in a seated position. Clinicians also apply greater torque than a dynamic splint or a static progressive stretch brace. Finally, clinicians app...

Braces and splints can be useful for acute injuries, chronic conditions, and the prevention of injury. There is good evidence to support the use of some braces and splints; others are used because of subjective reports from patients, relatively low cost, and few adverse effects, despite limited data on their effectiveness. The unloader (valgus) knee brace is recommended for pain reduction in pa...