knieorthese

A knieorthese, or knee orthosis, is a medical device worn around the knee joint to provide support, stability, immobilization, or unloading of the knee. It is used to aid healing after injury or surgery, to manage chronic conditions, and to prevent further injury in some cases. Common indications include ligament injuries (such as ACL or MCL tears), meniscal damage, osteoarthritis, patellar instability, and postoperative protection.

Knee orthoses vary in purpose and design. Prophylactic braces aim to prevent injuries in sports, functional braces support known ligament injuries and provide some dynamic stability, unloading (off-loader) braces reduce load on affected knee compartments in osteoarthritis, and immobilizers or post-operative braces restrict movement to enable healing. Some models use rigid frames with hinges and strapping; others are lightweight sleeves or wraps with elastic or breathable materials.

Materials and fitting range from off-the-shelf, adjustable devices to custom-made orthoses crafted by orthotists. Proper fitting is essential and usually requires clinical assessment, measurements, and sometimes clinical imaging. The goal is to balance stability with comfort, ensuring correct alignment and avoiding skin irritation. Patients may receive instructions on wear time, activity limits, and skin care.

Care and maintenance involve regular cleaning, inspection of hinges, straps, and padding, and replacement when worn or damaged. Potential downsides include skin irritation, reduced muscle activity, or dependency if used long-term without medical necessity. Evidence for effectiveness varies by condition; a knieorthese is typically prescribed as part of a broader treatment plan and should be selected and fitted by a healthcare professional.