According to USA Today, the number of knee replacement surgeries has grown substantially in the last 20 years, costing our government more than $5 billion. That number will continue to grow as the baby boom generation continues to age. New technologies are being used to reduce the need for knee replacements.

Stem cell treatments, partial knee replacement, arthrosurfacing and HemiCap implants are just some of the new treatments being used as an alternative to the joint destruction procedure known as total knee.

Another existing conservative treatment is the use of the anti-arthritis or “discharger” knee brace. These rigid orthotics have been used for over a decade and are designed to reduce “bone-on-bone” contact between the femur and tibia. These arthritis braces are limited in that they can only be used in a unicompartmental fashion. If both compartments of the knee (medial and lateral) show severe arthritis, with a lack of cartilage and joint fluid, the off-loading type of braces are not effective. For patients with medial or lateral unicompartmental osteoarthritis, these types of knee braces can have a substantial impact on patient activity by reducing pain and swelling associated with arthritis of the knee and extending the life expectancy of the knee up to when these new technologies can be applied.

Most offloading knee braces work in two ways, using the same primary effect of taking stress off one of the two knee joint compartments. When the medial or medial compartment of the knee is affected, a varus deformity or bowing of the knee joint may be seen on radiographs and, if severe, may be seen clinically when the patient is standing.

Similarly, when the lateral or external compartment is affected, a valgus deformity or valgus knee develops. Some orthoses, such as the Breg Fusion and X2K OA knee braces, work by applying pressure directly to the knee joint in an attempt to correct the varus or valgus deformity and “straighten the knee.” This has the effect of reducing pressure on the affected compartment of the knee and redistributing weight towards the brace and the other compartment.

Orthotics like the DonJoy Nano or the OA Adjuster work by bending the thigh and leg into a more straight position, rather than putting direct pressure on the knee joint. This type of knee brace works well for patients with severe arthritis and palpable pain and pressure at the level of the knee joint. In severe arthritis with patients suffering from severe pain, the results can be quite instantaneous.

In recent years, single hinge arthritis braces have entered the market, with the advantages of being lighter and more comfortable to wear.

So how does a doctor or patient choose between a single-hinged or a double-hinged arthritis brace? And how do you choose between direct knee correction or thigh/leg correction?

The choice really depends on the patient and certain factors that would eliminate some of the options you have. Younger individuals generally benefit from double-hinged braces as they provide greater stability to the knee to protect the meniscus, collateral ligaments, and ACL/PCL.

Active athletes and people who participate in high-impact and contact sports have additional benefits from wearing a double-hinged brace. Seniors or those with more sedentary lifestyles may best benefit from single hinge braces, due to the added comfort and fit of these devices.

Patients with substantial knee swelling, or knees that do not conform to standard commercially available measurements, may benefit from single hinge braces, again to provide a better fit and less restriction of knee swelling. knee. pelvis and increased Q angle.

When choosing a knee brace, it is always best to consult with your attending physician, therapist or healthcare professional. They will be able to determine which knee brace is best for your situation based on clinical and radiological findings.

Going online and buying an arthritis knee brace without knowing your condition can make your situation worse and more and more painful. It is always recommended that if you go online to buy an arthritis knee brace that you choose a company that is experienced in these types of medical products and can guide you and your doctor in the right direction.