Abstract

The Effects of Knee Valgus Orthosis on Knee Joint Contact Forces in Subjects with Knee Osteoarthritis

Background: An increase in knee joint loading increases the symptoms of knee joint Osteoarthritis (OA). One of the conservative treatments used for the subjects with knee OA is knee valgus orthosis which is used to decrease the load on knee joints. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the effects of a new design of knee orthosis on joint contact force and muscle force in the subjects with knee OA. Methods: Ten subjects with knee OA were recruited in this study. A motion analysis system with 7 high speed cameras and a Kistler force plate were used to record the motion of the subjects in walking and the forces applied on the leg. OpenSIM software was used to determine the knee joint contact force during walking with and without the orthosis. Results: The knee orthosis decreased the peaks of vertical component of knee joint contact forces (p<0.05). Moreover, it did not influence on walking speed. The use of the orthosis decreased extension moment of the knee joint and the peaks of the forces produced by muscles surrounding the knee joint. Conclusion: The use of this orthosis decreased the knee joint contact forces. This suggests that the orthosis could be used to alleviate the symptoms of knee OA. Clinicians are to be aware of the findings of this study as the use of the orthosis could be incorporated into the management of subjects with knee OA.

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