The Best Brace for the Case
By Smith, Rich; Rehab Management: Rehab Today,Publication Date: July 2009
Article discusses braces for common knee problems. Three prevalent conditions of the knee are identified: patellofemoral dysfunction (PFD), an orthopedic problem affecting one in four people; knee osteoarthritis, commonly occurring in older people; and torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Knee braces are categorized into tibiofemoral, with subtypes including rehabilitation, prophylactic, functional, and unloading braces; and patellofemural, encompassing infrapatellar straps, neoprene sleeves, realignment braces, and Stability through External Rotation of the Femur (SERF) straps. The article discusses the efficacy of the various braces, focusing on the OnTrack System, a patellofemoral brace endorsed by the American Physical Therapy Association. The system is designed to fix the problem of PFD by non-surgically changing the patella anatomy. The brace consists of a combined tape and hook-and-loop securing system placed over the kneecap, a neoprene sleeve pulled over the securing system, a bifurcated strap applied to the patella and pulled in the direction of the correction to be made, and an applicator that provides stimulation and activation of weakened quadriceps. The OnTrack system, offered at http://www.ontrackbrace.com, includes a patient-education DVD explaining PFD and providing 13 strengthening exercises.
Published by: Ascend Media LLC (Website:http://www.ascendmedia.com)
Link to text: http://www.rehabpub.com/issues/articles/2009-07_05.asp
