Knee brace influences on the tibial rotation and torque patterns of the surgical limb.
Tibial rotation and torque were evaluated using a specifically designed device to assess the effects of two different knee braces on the performance of the surgically repaired knee. Comparisons were also made with the healthy contralateral limb. Six subjects, aged 21 to 28, participated in the study. Subjects were tested while seated in an adjustable chair which allowed the torso, pelvis, thigh, and femoral condyles to be stabilized utilizing a series of straps and brackets. The foot was immobilized by a special boot which was connected to the input shaft of a Cybex isokinetic dynamometer. To begin, the foot was positioned perpendicular to the frontal plane and the knee position maintained at 90'' of flexion. Subjects were then asked to maximally externally or internally rotate the tibia on the femur during two brace conditions: the surgical limb condition and the healthy limb condition. The results indicated that there were differences across all conditions of tibia1 range of motion and torque with external direction values being significantly greater (P < 0.05). Comparison between conditions yielded no significant differences; however, a consistent trend characteristic of a knee brace reduction in internal rotation and torque parameters were present. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1984;6(2):116-122.
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Hamill
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