INDUSTRIAL MANUFACTURING BLOG YOU SHOULD BE READING

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing orthotic knee joint

10 Mar.,2025

Knee Orthosis Buying Guide: Tips to Help Doctors Choose the Right ...

When it comes to managing knee conditions and injuries either instead of surgery or as part of recovery after surgery, physicians often rely on knee orthoses (knee braces) to provide their patients with support, stability, and pain relief. However, with various options available in the market, selecting the fitting knee orthosis can be challenging.

PFC Product Page

In this Knee Orthosis Buying Guide, we will provide physicians with 7 valuable tips to help them choose the most suitable knee orthosis for their patient's needs. We'll also note a few KO options we recommend for your patients.

Understand the Patient's Diagnosis

Before recommending a knee orthosis, it is crucial to identify the specific knee condition or injury they are experiencing, such as ligament instability, osteoarthritis, meniscal tears, or patellofemoral pain syndrome. Different orthoses are designed to address specific conditions, so knowing the diagnosis is essential for making an informed decision.

Evaluate the Severity of the Condition

Assess the severity of the patient's knee condition or injury. Consider the level of instability, pain intensity, range of motion limitations, and functional restrictions they are experiencing. The severity of the condition will determine the level of support and protection required from the knee orthosis.

Determine the Treatment Goals

Engage in a detailed conversation with your patient to understand their treatment goals and expectations. Discuss what they hope to achieve with the knee orthosis: pain relief, improved stability, increased mobility, or the ability to participate in specific activities or sports. Aligning their treatment goals with the features of knee orthosis will lead to better patient satisfaction and outcomes.

Assess the Functional Requirements

Consider the patient's activity level and lifestyle to determine the functional requirements of the knee orthosis. Does the patient need a brace for daily activities, sports, or both? Evaluate the specific movements and stresses in their activities to identify the necessary features such as flexibility, stability, and impact absorption.

Consider the Type of Knee Orthosis

Different types of knee orthoses are available, each designed for specific purposes. Common types include prophylactic (preventive), functional, rehabilitative, unloading, and patellofemoral braces. Speak to an orthotist to familiarize yourself with the features and indications of each type to choose the one that aligns with the patient's diagnosis, treatment goals, and functional requirements.

Consider Comfort and Breathability

The patient's comfort is crucial for ensuring compliance with the knee orthosis. If the device is uncomfortable, the patient isn't likely to wear it as often as they should, which impedes recovery. Look for braces made from breathable materials that promote airflow and moisture-wicking properties to keep the skin dry. Consider cushioning or padding in areas that encounter the skin to enhance comfort and minimize irritation.

Seek Expert Opinions

Consult with orthotists, physical therapists, or other healthcare professionals like ACI with expertise in orthotic devices. We provide physicians with valuable insights and recommendations based on our experience and knowledge. Collaborating with specialists ensures you make well-informed decisions and consider all relevant factors when selecting a knee orthosis for your patients.

ACI Knee Orthosis Offerings

We offer a variety of Knee Orthoses to help patients manage their lower extremity ailments. Each device has the highest quality materials and is designed to produce the most positive patient outcomes. Here are a few of our KO options.

V-VAS' Orthosis

The V-VAS' Orthosis is a one-of-a-kind offloading/realigning brace that helps to achieve optimal varum or valgum stress without bulky or complex adjustments. Its unique polycentric adjustable hinge design creates an ideal bending moment that results in the precise offloading/realigning experience.

It is the first long-axis offloading, closed dynamic frame custom knee orthosis that doesn't need to be removed to adjust offloading, and the mechanical axis is always non-binding and auto-aligning.

KMO'(Knee Management Orthosis)

The KMO' (Knee Management Orthosis) features a unique, single posterior joint that is cost-effective, patient-friendly, and a more accurate alternative for static progressive knee positioning.

Unlike the limited standard choice knee immobilizer, the KMO' can more effectively position the normal anatomical alignment of the patient's knee joint, which can easily be set in position without the need to heat or contour the upright to accommodate or progressively improve knee contracture issues, specific post-op ROM (Range of Motion) positioning needs or minor fracture stabilization.

Pentagon® Orthosis

The Pentagon® Orthosis is a unique posterior fitting, single-jointed upright knee orthosis that provides another patient-friendly alternative to the traditional bulky double upright hinged knee orthoses configurations. This system design also allows for a simplified fitting of the knee orthosis that helps address many different rehabilitative needs for sagittal plane stabilization.

The Pentagon® Orthosis is the only system that allows the calf and thigh segments to dynamically shorten and lengthen with the patient's extremity during flexion and extension of the knee to accurately track the normal anatomical knee center alignment for maximum stability which also helps to reduce unwanted friction to the skin to increase patient comfort and compliance.

Make an Educated Decision

Choosing the suitable knee orthosis for your patients requires a thoughtful and informed approach. Physicians can make well-informed decisions by understanding the patient's diagnosis, assessing the severity of the condition, considering treatment goals, evaluating functional requirements, and seeking expert opinions.

Remember to prioritize comfort, adjustability, and customization options while staying within the patient's budget. With these tips, physicians can select the most appropriate knee orthosis, providing their patients with the support, stability, and relief they need for optimal recovery and improved quality of life.

The Ultimate Guide To Choosing The Best Knee Brace For You ...

Frequently Asked Questions About Knee Braces

How long should I wear the knee brace each day?

Wear time for a knee brace varies depending on the injury and type of brace. Some people may need to wear the brace all day, whilst others may only need it during activities that cause discomfort. It's best to consult a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate length of time to wear your knee brace.

Can I still participate in physical activities while wearing a knee brace?

Contact us to discuss your requirements of orthotic knee joint. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

Knee braces are designed to support and stabilize the knee joint, helping to reduce pain during physical activities. For some injuries, some forms of physical activity may be safe. However, for other injuries, such as an ACL tear, physical activity may not be suitable for a short time. It is best to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate activities and any modifications to help you safely participate.

Can I wear a knee brace over clothing?

Knee braces are specifically designed for an injury and must be worn properly to adequately support and protect the knee. Whilst most braces should be worn against the skin, the wearing method will depend on the type of brace and your individual needs. It is best to consult a healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate way to wear your knee brace.

Are there any side effects or risks associated with using a knee brace?

While knee braces are generally considered safe and can provide many benefits, there are some potential side effects. This includes skin irritation or chafing, restricted movement, and muscle weakness with prolonged use. A healthcare professional can provide guidance on proper brace use to reduce the risk of any risks.

Can a knee brace prevent or treat knee injuries?

Knee braces work by providing support and stability to the knee joint, which can help reduce pain and protect the knee. However, the effectiveness of a knee brace will depend on the type of brace and the specific injury. It's important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best type of knee brace and to ensure proper usage.

How long does a knee brace typically last and when should I replace it?

The lifespan of a knee brace can vary depending on the type of brace, frequency of use, and level of wear and tear. Generally, a knee brace made of high-quality materials can last for several months or more with proper care. Regular inspections and maintenance can also help extend the lifespan of the knee brace and ensure it continues to provide support.

If a knee brace becomes damaged or no longer provides adequate support to the knee joint, a health professional should be consulted to organize a replacement.

Can I sleep while wearing a knee brace?

A knee brace is designed to provide support and stability to the knee joint, including when sleeping. Specific injuries may require overnight brace use to protect the knee while in various sleeping positions. It's important to get guidance on the proper overnight usage of your knee brace.

How do I know if the knee brace is working effectively?

A properly fitted knee brace should provide adequate support, increase stability, and improve overall mobility. At the same time, a properly working brace should not cause any adverse side effects or additional pain. A healthcare professional can perform a physical examination and provide recommendations on how to adjust or modify the brace to maximize its effectiveness.

Can knee braces cause more pain?

Knee braces, in general, should not be causing increased pain or exacerbating your symptoms. However, if you have the wrong type of knee brace or it is improperly worn knee braces may cause increased pain. Once again this is why it is so important to consult with your healthcare practitioner when choosing a knee brace. It is also important to remember that tighter doesn't always mean better and it is important to make sure you are not wearing your brace too tight. Another important note is to only wear the brace when needed. Wearing a brace at rest for a mild knee pain will actually cause weakness of the surrounding musculature over time. Weakness will eventually cause more complications, so its important to rehab and remove the brace when you do not require the support.

Want more information on sach foot? Feel free to contact us.

Previous: 5 Things to Know Before Buying Hydrogen Peroxide Plant

Next: 5 Must-Have Features in a gel polish private label

Guest Posts