Use of a knee-brace for control of tibial translation and rotation. A comparison, in cadavera, of available models.
We assessed the relative restraints that are provided by fourteen currently available functional knee-braces, using six limbs in cadavera. The tests were made at 30 and 60 degrees of flexion of the knee, and a mechanical loading system applied loads that caused anterior-posterior translation and internal-external rotation. The braces limited abnormal tibiofemoral displacements by 10 to 75 per cent in translation; there was more variation in rotation. This study demonstrated that functional knee-braces provide a restraining influence that may be beneficial in the control of abnormal displacements of the knee, but that the degree of restraint varies considerably.
Wojtys
E M
EM
Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor 48106-0363.
Loubert
P V
PV
Samson
S Y
SY
Viviano
D M
DM
D001915:Braces; D002102:Cadaver; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007593:Joint Instability / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008954:Models, Biological; D009068:Movement / Q000502:physiology; D012399:Rotation; D013977:Tibia / Q000503:physiopathology*