The effect of knee orthoses on gait parameters in medial knee compartment osteoarthritis: A literature review.

Background: Knee osteoarthritis is a musculoskeletal condition which is most prevalent in the medial compartment. This injury causes considerable pain, disability, and negative changes in kinetic and kinematic parameters. The efficiency of unloader valgus brace as a conservative treatment for medial knee osteoarthritis is not well documented.
Objectives: The aim of this study was to review the previous research regarding the biomechanical effects of knee valgus braces on walking in medial compartment knee osteoarthritis patients.
Study Design: Literature review
Methods: According to the population intervention comparison outcome measure methods and based on selected keywords, 12 studies were chosen according to (met) the inclusion criteria.
Results: The results indicated that treatment with knee braces was effective in decreasing pain, improving function, ameliorating improvement in range of motion, and increasing speed of walking and step length in conjunction with a reduction in the adduction moment applied to the knee.
Conclusion: Osteoarthritis knee braces may be considered for improvement of walking and treatment of medial compartment knee osteoarthritis.
Clinical Relevance: Knee braces are an orthotic intervention that could potentially be significant in assisting in improving the walking parameters and treatment of medial compartment knee osteoarthritis.
(© The International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics 2014.)