Knee Orthosis (KO): Enhancing Knee Stability and Mobility
What Is a Knee Orthosis (KO)?
A Knee Orthosis (KO) is a medical device designed to support, stabilize, and protect the knee joint. It is commonly used to manage knee conditions such as ligament injuries, osteoarthritis, and post-operative recovery. KOs come in various forms, including hinged braces, sleeves, and immobilizers, tailored to provide specific levels of support and mobility.
How Does a Knee Orthosis Work?
Knee orthoses function by:
- Stabilizing the knee joint
- Limiting excessive movement
- Reducing pain and inflammation
- Promoting healing and recovery
These functions help to alleviate discomfort and prevent further injury during the healing process.
Types of Knee Orthoses
At Advanced Prosthetics, we offer a range of knee orthoses to meet individual patient needs:
- Post-Operative Knee Braces: Designed to stabilize the knee following surgery, these braces often feature adjustable range-of-motion (ROM) joints to control movement and protect healing tissues.
- ACL Braces: Specifically designed to support the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), these braces provide stability to the knee during rehabilitation or return to activity.
- Osteoarthritis (OA) Unloader Braces: These braces are designed to relieve pain associated with knee osteoarthritis by redistributing weight away from the affected compartment of the knee.
- Hinged Neoprene Knee Sleeves: Combining the support of a brace with the comfort of a sleeve, these devices provide compression and mild stability for conditions like patellofemoral syndrome or mild ligament sprains.
- Knee Immobilizers: Used to keep the knee in full extension, these braces are typically employed following surgeries or severe injuries to prevent movement and promote healing.
- Patella Stabilizers: Featuring a horseshoe-shaped pad, these devices help in tracking the patella and are beneficial for conditions like patellar subluxation or chondromalacia patellae.
Who Benefits from a Knee Orthosis?
Knee orthoses are ideal for:
- Individuals recovering from knee surgeries
- Patients with ligament injuries (e.g., ACL, MCL)
- Those managing knee osteoarthritis
- Athletes requiring additional knee support
- Individuals experiencing knee instability or pain
Advantages of Using a Knee Orthosis
Utilizing a knee orthosis offers several benefits:
- Enhanced knee stability
- Pain relief and reduced inflammation
- Protection during the healing process
- Improved mobility and function
- Prevention of further injury
Care and Maintenance
Proper care of your knee orthosis is essential to ensure its effectiveness and longevity:
- Cleaning: Follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning. Soft braces may be hand-washed, while rigid braces should be wiped with a damp cloth.
- Inspection: Regularly check for signs of wear or damage.
- Adjustment: Ensure the brace fits snugly but comfortably; consult your healthcare provider for adjustments.
Our team will provide detailed instructions on how to care for your knee orthosis.
Customization at Advanced Prosthetics
We believe that each patient's needs are unique. Our customization options include:
- Personalized fitting: Ensuring the brace conforms to your body for optimal support.
- Adjustable components: Allowing for modifications as your condition changes.
- Pediatric adaptations: Tailoring braces to accommodate growth and development.
Our goal is to provide a knee orthosis that not only supports your knee but also fits seamlessly into your lifestyle.
Ready to Support Your Knee Health?
If you're interested in learning more about how a knee orthosis can support your recovery or manage your knee condition, contact Advanced Prosthetics today. Our expert team is here to guide you through the process and help you find the right solution for your needs.