Category: Donjoy

Why are there more ACL injuries in women’s football?

Posted on | by Matthew Blackwell

With the World Cup kicking off in Australia and New Zealand this year, the popularity of women’s football (soccer) is at an all-time high, with more women and girls getting involved every day. However, female football players are at a higher risk of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries compared to their male counterparts.1 Why are there more ACL injuries in women’s football, and how can knee bracing help in prevention and protection?

What is an ACL injury and how do they happen?

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the major stabilizing ligaments in the knee joint. Running diagonally in the middle of the knee, it prevents the tibia from sliding out in front of the femur and provides rotational stability to the knee.

ACL injury

Although the ACL can be torn when the knee receives excessive external force, unlike most other ligaments it can also be injured in non-contact situations, with the latter accounting for 70% of all reported ACL injuries.2

In football and other field/court sports, non‐contact ACL injury typically involves a sharp stop, a sudden change of direction, or landing from a jump with inadequate knee and hip flexion (at or near full extension).1 The most common occurrence is from a combination of a deceleration manoeuvre with a change of direction while the foot is planted and the knee is nearly or fully extended; the excessive torsional force that results from the player trying to change direction can potentially strain or rupture the ACL.

Why ACL injuries are more common in female footballers

Studies have shown that female athletes are two- to ten-times more likely to suffer an ACL injury than male athletes.1 The phenomenon has had a noticeable impact on the 2023 Women’s World Cup, with several high-profile players missing out on the tournament as a result. There are a number of factors involved.

Differences in anatomy

The anatomy of female players predisposes them to an increased incidence of ACL injuries. Women generally have slimmer muscles, and a more considerable pelvic angle than men. The Q-angle, which refers to the angle formed between the hip and the knee, is higher in females, leading to more exertion placed on the ACL. The variance in the anatomy of the knee joint and surrounding bones results in lower overall knee stability, amplified by repetitive jumps or twists.

Hormonal predisposition

Research has suggested that the menstrual cycle poses a higher risk for ACL injuries during ovulation.3 Estrogen levels are higher during ovulation; high estrogen levels alter the collagen production, resulting in increased ligament laxity which can lead to decreased levels of overall knee stability.

Biomechanical Aspects

Studies have revealed distinct differences in landing techniques between men and women following a jump or leap.4 Females have landing mechanisms which increase the pressure placed on their knees. Furthermore, females are more likely than males to land with knee valgus position, making it harder to control the forces and positions during motions leading to tearing of the ACL.

How a knee brace can help reduce ACL injuries

Clinical studies have demonstrated that wearing a knee brace during activity can help prevent ACL injury as well as protect against reinjury.5,6,7 DonJoy® knee braces utilize patented technology that reduces ACL strain.

The Four-Points-of-Leverage™ system featured in DonJoy knee braces consists of a rigid cuff and strap configuration. Through this, a posterior force is applied to the tibia, which prevents anterior movement and reduces the strain on the ACL.8

Four points of leverage

FourcePoint® hinge technology works to enhance DonJoy’s Four-Points-of-Leverage design by damping knee joint extension, which improves the mechanical performance of the brace and reduces shear forces at the knee. Addressing the “at-risk” position, the hinge resistance engages in the last 25 degrees of knee extension.

FourcePoint hinge

The FourcePoint hinge combined with the Four-Points-of-Leverage cuff and strapping design provides a more comfortable brace that reduces anterior shear forces at the knee. The stability this provides is beneficial for both female football players looking to avoid ACL injuries during training, and those who are recovering from an existing injury, as it reduces strain on the healing ACL graft.9,10

To find out more about DonJoy knee braces, go to enovis-medtech.eu.

References

  1. Silvers, H. J., & Mandelbaum, B. R. (2007). Prevention of anterior cruciate ligament injury in the female athlete. British journal of sports medicine, 41 Suppl 1(Suppl 1), i52–i59.
  2. Arendt EA, Agel J, Dick R. Anterior cruciate ligament injury patterns among collegiate men and women. J Athl Train 1999;34(2):86-92.
  3. Yu, W. D., Liu, S. H., Hatch, J. D., Panossian, V., & Finerman, G. A. (1999). Effect of estrogen on cellular metabolism of the human anterior cruciate ligament. Clinical orthopaedics and related research, (366), 229–238.
  4. Butler, R. J., Willson, J. D., Fowler, D., & Queen, R. M. (2013). Gender differences in landing mechanics vary depending on the type of landing. Clinical journal of sport medicine : official journal of the Canadian Academy of Sport Medicine, 23(1), 52–57.
  5. Tuang, B.H.H., Ng, Z.Q., Li, J.Z., Sirisena D. (2023). Biomechanical Effects of Prophylactic Knee Bracing on Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury Risk: A Systematic Review. Clin J Sport Med. Jan 1;33(1):78-89.
  6. Perrone, G.S., Webster, K.E., Imbriaco, C., Portilla, G.M., Vairagade, A., Murray, M.M., Kiapour, A.M. (2019). Risk of Secondary ACL Injury in Adolescents Prescribed Functional Bracing After ACL Reconstruction. Orthop J Sports Med. Nov 12;7(11):2325967119879880.
  7. Bodendorfer, B.M., Anoushiravani, A.A., Feeley, B.T., Gallo, R.A. (2013). Anterior cruciate ligament bracing: evidence in providing stability and preventing injury or graft re-rupture. Phys Sportsmed. Sep;41(3):92-102.
  8. Fleming, B. C., Renstrom, P. A., Beynnon, B. D., Engstrom, B., & Peura, G. (2000). The influence of functional knee bracing on the anterior cruciate ligament strain biomechanics in weightbearing and nonweightbearing knees. The American journal of sports medicine, 28(6), 815–824.
  9. Théoret, D., & Lamontagne, M. (2006). Study on three-dimensional kinematics and electromyography of ACL deficient knee participants wearing a functional knee brace during running. Knee surgery, sports traumatology, arthroscopy : official journal of the ESSKA, 14(6), 555–563.
  10. Stanley, C. J., Creighton, R. A., Gross, M. T., Garrett, W. E., & Yu, B. (2011). Effects of a knee extension constraint brace on lower extremity movements after ACL reconstruction. Clinical orthopaedics and related research, 469(6), 1774–1780.

How a soft brace can help improve proprioception

Posted on | by Matthew Blackwell

Proprioception is an important part of our everyday lives. It influences our balance, stability, and posture, and is essential for the motor coordination of our bodies. But what happens when proprioception is impaired, and how can wearing a soft brace help improve it?

What is proprioception?

Proprioception, also known as kinesthesia, is the body’s ability to sense its own position and movement, as well as force and heaviness.

Sensory neurons throughout the body—collectively known as proprioceptors—process stimuli and provide feedback that the body uses to coordinate its movements.

For instance, if receptors in and around a limb’s muscles and tendons sense risky levels of continuous deformation, they will “tell” the body to initiate reflexes to help stabilize and protect the limb from excessive movements.

How can injury affect proprioception?

Though proprioception is a difficult sensation for an individual to identify, its impairment or loss is far more keenly felt.

In extreme cases, such as an autoimmune response to an infection that attacks the body’s sensory neurons, the sense of position, movement, and touch can be completely lost. Without the ability to coordinate their movements, patients who experience this kind of condition can find themselves unable to stand, walk, or physically interact with their surroundings.1

In more common conditions, such as knee osteoarthritis, the proprioceptors in and around the knee joint can be negatively impacted, and the consequent reduced sensory input can compromise normal knee movement and impair postural and protective reflexes.2 This in turn can cause loss of stability and balance, leading to falling.

Acute injuries, such as sprains and strains, can damage soft tissue containing proprioceptors, thereby impairing proprioception and increasing the chance of risky movements.

How can a soft brace improve proprioception?

Studies have shown that wearing a soft brace can contribute to improvements in proprioception.2,3

Although the exact details of how this process works are unknown, researchers hypothesize that wearing a soft brace increases stimuli on proprioceptors in the skin, as well as pressure on the underlying muscles and joint capsule that it covers.4,5

The benefits of this can include improvement in physical function, better control of the involved joint, and a reduction in pain.2,3

Introducing a new range of proprioceptive soft braces from DonJoy®

Sometimes staying active means staying supported. DonJoy’s® new range of soft braces aids proprioception to help people continue their everyday activities.

The range covers all the major joints, comprising two knee supports, two ankle supports, an elbow support, and a wrist support, all of which are available in a wide range of sizes to accommodate different body types.

Each brace is made from soft 3D elastic compression fabric that stretches with the wearer’s movements while providing support and proprioceptive feedback. This means patients get the stability and control they need to help prevent injury while remaining comfortable, making these products well-suited to all kinds of activities, from tennis and jogging, to walking and gardening.

These braces also include a number of individual features to provide enhanced function. For instance, the GenuForce® Xpert knee brace’s semi-rigid polycentric hinges provide greater lateral support and stability, while ManuForce®’s adjustable strapping and malleable hand stay help offer adaptable compression, stabilization, and relief for the wrist.

DonJoy ManuForce wrist brace
ManuForce in action

To learn more about these products and others, visit enovis-medtech.eu

References

  1. Tuthill, J. C., & Azim, E. (2018). Proprioception. Current biology : CB, 28(5): R194–R203.
  2. Hassan, B.S., Mockett, S., Doherty, M. (2002). Influence of elastic bandage on knee pain, proprioception, and postural sway in subjects with knee osteoarthritis. Ann Rheum Dis, 61: 24-28.
  3. Cudejko, T., van der Esch, M., van den Noort, J. C., Rijnhart, J. J. M., van der Leeden, M., Roorda, L. D., Lems, W., Waddington, G., Harlaar, J., & Dekker, J. (2019). Decreased Pain and Improved Dynamic Knee Instability Mediate the Beneficial Effect of Wearing a Soft Knee Brace on Activity Limitations in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis. Arthritis care & research, 71(8): 1036–1043.
  4. Perlau, R., Frank, C., Fick, G. (1995). The effect of elastic bandages on human knee proprioception in the uninjured population. Am J Sports Med 23:251–255.
  5. Simoneau, G.G., Degner, R.M., Kramper, C.A., Kittleson, K.H. (1997). Changes in ankle joint proprioception resulting from strips of athletic tape applied over the skin. J Atl Train 32:141–147.

Low back pain relief, from DonJoy®

Posted on | by Matthew Blackwell

As one of the most common health problems, low back pain is a significant problem not just for individuals, but also their families and communities.1 The condition is defined as “activity-limiting low back pain (+/- pain referred into 1 or both lower limbs) that lasts for at least 1 day”.1

As the population ages, the number of people around the world suffering from low back pain is only going to increase.1 Thankfully, back supports such as Lumbostrap 35 and Dorsostrap 55 from DonJoy® can help relieve low back pain.

What are the causes of lower back pain?

There are many potential causes of low back pain:

  • Muscle or ligament strain from over-stretching (pulling), heavy lifting, twisting the spine while lifting, vigorous exercise at the gym, or a sudden awkward movement
  • Sciatica happens when a weakened and bulging disc is pressed against the sciatic nerve. This can cause intense pain which goes down one leg. This cause can be confirmed through imaging techniques
  • Spinal stenosis happens when the space around the spinal cord narrows and puts pressure on the spinal nerves
  • Prolonged periods of time incorrectly sitting at your desk (poor posture) can also cause lower back pain
  • A herniated disc occurs when an intervertebral disc slides out of position, and spondylolisthesis is when a vertebra slides out of position

Bracing for low back pain relief

A conservative treatment option for low back pain is to wear a back brace. As well as improving postural control,2 the support these devices provide can help to alleviate symptoms associated with low back pain through mechanisms such as activation of the trunk muscles and stabilizing the spine.3,4 They can also help to reduce the use of medication for the condition.5

In patients with low-back pain, walking with abdominal bracing activates the trunk muscles more than walking without an abdominal brace, particularly at slower speeds.3 This means patients incapable of walking faster might possibly benefit from abdominal bracing during walking exercise.3

Patients suffering from low back pain may find that the process of sitting down or standing up can be painful. A study by Im et al. (2021) found that wearing an extensible or a non-extensible lumbar brace has beneficial effects on the biomechanical factors of the sit-to-stand movement in office workers with low back pain.6 It also resulted in immediate reduction of pain intensity and pain-related anxiety.6

Do lumbar braces cause muscle weakness?

One concern about using bracing for low back pain is that it can weaken the trunk muscles. This comes from the assumption that the brace partly replaces the stabilizing function of the trunk muscles.

However, a number of contemporary studies show that back braces do not cause weakness in trunk muscles.7 There is no evidence to the contrary.7

Get low back pain relief with Lumbostrap 35 and Dorsostrap 55 back supports from DonJoy

Lumbostrap 35 and Dorsostrap 55 are two new back supports from DonJoy. These semi-rigid unisex corsets are designed for support and stabilization of the spine and relief of low back pain.

With a height of 35 cm, Lumbostrap 35 provides support and stability for the lumbar spine from S1-T10. At 55 cm high, Dorsostrap 55 covers the dorsal-lumbar spine from S1-T4.

Lumbostrap 35 is anatomically contoured to help provide a comfortable fit and improved patient compliance. Application is made easy through the use of a front closure with a hand loop.

The support’s double bilateral elastic straps are configured in a pulley system, providing independent superior and inferior adjustment of compression level. Conveniently placed within reach, they are easily affixed using hook-and-loop closures.

DonJoy Lumbostrap 35 and Dorsostrap 55
DonJoy Lumbostrap 35 (Left) and Dorsostrap 55 (Right)

And four semi-rigid pre-shaped dorsal stays help provide adjustable back support. Two of the stays can be removed and replaced with a more rigid pair for additional stability, and all of them can be reshaped by hand to achieve optimal comfort and fit.

Dorsostrap 55 includes all of the above features, as well as a pair of reverse shoulder straps. Using a traction pulley system, these straps provide adjustable tension to pull the shoulders back and straighten the back, thereby helping to improve kyphotic posture.

Both supports are lightweight, low profile, and breathable, allowing them to be worn comfortably for extended periods, and to fit more easily under clothing. To aid hygiene, they are made from odor-resistant materials which do not include natural rubber latex and are easy to clean.

Intended use and indications

DonJoy Lumbostrap 35 is designed for support and stabilization of the lumbar spine from S1-T10 and relief of low back pain.

  • Results of vertebral collapse (most common indication), that requires a very long usage (up to 12 months)
  • Outcomes of vertebral fractures of the lower dorso-lumbar tract
  • Post-operation period
  • Lumbalgia
  • Sciatic lumbalgia and lumbar cruralgia
  • Spondylarthrosis and lumbar discopathies
  • Slight traumas to the lumbosacral column and paravertebral lumbar contractures
  • Treatment of fracture of transverse processes
  • Degenerative lumbar scoliosis
  • Spondylosis with or without vertebral listhesis

DonJoy Dorsostrap 55 is designed for support and stabilization of the dorsal-lumbar spine from S1-T4 and relief of low back pain.

  • Outcomes of vertebral fractures of the dorso-lumbar tract
  • Dorsal vertebral collapses on an osteoporotic or metastatic basis (most common indication), that requires a very long usage (up to 12 months)
  • Post-operation period
  • Osteoporosis
  • Osteomalacia
  • Dorsal kyphosis
  • Osteolysis
  • Kyphosis with chronic back pain
  • Muscular insufficiency

To learn more about these products and others, visit enovis-medtech.eu

References

  1. Hoy, D., Bain, C., Williams, G., et al. (2012). A systematic review of the global prevalence of low back pain. Arthritis Rheum., 64(6): 2028-2037.
  2. Mi, J., Ye, J., Zhao, X., Zhao, J. (2018). Effects of lumbosacral orthoses on postural control in individuals with or without non-specific low back pain. Eur Spine J., 27(1): 180-186.
  3. Soo Choi, J., Kim, H., Lim, J., Seok Ryu, J. (2022). The facilitation of trunk muscles by abdominal bracing during walking in chronic low back pain patients. J Biomech, 143: 111299.
  4. Ludvig, D., Preuss, R., Larivière, C. (2019). The effect of extensible and non-extensible lumbar belts on trunk muscle activity and lumbar stiffness in subjects with and without low-back pain. Clin Biomech (Bristol, Avon), 67: 45-51.
  5. Calmels, P., Queneau, P., Hamonet, C., et al. (2009). Effectiveness of a lumbar belt in subacute low back pain: an open, multicentric, and randomized clinical study. Spine (Phila Pa 1976), 34(3): 215-220.
  6. Im, S.C., Cho, H.Y., Lee, J.H., Kim, K. (2021). Analysis of the Effect of Wearing Extensible and Non-Extensible Lumbar Belts on Biomechanical Factors of the Sit-to-Stand Movement and Pain-Related Psychological Factors Affecting Office Workers with Low Back Pain. Healthcare (Basel), 9(11) :1601. Published 2021 Nov 22.
  7. Anders, C., Hübner, A. (2019). Influence of elastic lumbar support belts on trunk muscle function in patients with non-specific acute lumbar back pain. PLoS One, 14(1): e0211042. Published 2019 Jan 24.

Does a back brace help with kyphosis?

Posted on | by Matthew Blackwell

In some people, kyphosis can be a debilitating spine condition that left untreated can have a severe impact on people’s lives. For older people in particular, if severe, the consequences can be life-threatening. However, evidence suggests that wearing a back brace can help address the symptoms of kyphosis.

What is kyphosis?

Kyphosis is defined as excessive curvature of the spine in the sagittal (front to back) plane. Normally there is 20° to 45° of curvature in the upper back, but anything in excess of 45° is called kyphosis (Website Source).

The condition gives the top of the back a more rounded appearance. The back may be painful, flexibility of the spine is reduced, and tiredness may also be experienced (Website Source).

What causes kyphosis?

In addition to spinal injuries, there are a number of different ways in which the upper back can become overly curved (Website Source):

  • Postural kyphosis—bad posture from slouching or carrying heavy bags can affect the muscles and ligaments supporting the spine and increase spinal curvature
  • Scheuermann’s kyphosis—vertebrae that do not develop properly can become abnormally shaped and out of position
  • Congenital kyphosis—when a child’s spine does not develop correctly in the womb, the vertebrae can become fused together
  • Age-related kyphosis—as people grow older, the spine can become increasingly curved
Kyphosis
Typical and kyphotic spines. Image credit: The Mayo Foundation.

Why is kyphosis a problem for older people?

Among the elderly population, the most commonly reported symptoms are weak back extensor muscle strength, loss of spinal mobility, and pain, along with the general degenerative components such as disc dehydration and changes in vertebral shape/wedging1.

For older people, kyphosis can have significant impact on function, quality of life, and mortality. Because it has a negative effect on gait and balance, older kyphosis sufferers are at increased risk of falls and fractures. Furthermore, severe kyphosis reduces the amount of space in the chest, mobility of the rib cage, and expansion of the lungs, which may lead to breathing problems, particularly in women2.

Older women with kyphosis are 70% more likely to suffer a fracture, regardless of age or prior fracture, and this risk increases as the condition progresses3.

How is kyphosis treated?

According to the NHS, it is usually only severe cases of kyphosis that require surgical treatment (Website Source). The condition can usually be improved by correcting posture through exercise and physiotherapy, while over-the-counter analgesics can be used to manage pain.

For children with mild to moderate kyphosis, bracing is recommended to minimize the progression of the curve whilst the spine is still growing (Website Source). In adolescents, bracing using an orthosis has been seen to reduce kyphosis ranging from 55 to 80°1.

In patients over the age of 60, bracing improves the balance score, and reduces spinal deformity and pain. If there is lumbar spine involvement, bracing and exercises should be prescribed for patients with kyphosis. Bracing becomes more of an attractive option for elderly patients when considering that the high risk of surgery for this age group means that surgical intervention is less likely to be recommended1.

What is a TLSO brace?

A thoracolumbosacral orthosis (TLSO) is a brace worn over the whole or part of the thoracic, lumbar, and sacral portions of the spinal column. TLSOs are prescribed to control motion, correct deformity, and/or compensate for weakness3.

Get customizable back support for kyphosis with IsoFORM™ TLSO

The IsoFORM™ TLSO back brace from DonJoy® is designed to provide motion restriction, creating a dynamic environment for healing within the thoracolumbar and lumbar spine.

It is intended for acute pain relief by thoracic postural extension alignment, compression fractures of the thoracic spine, osteoporosis, thoracic mechanical back pain, and kyphosis.

IsoFORM TLSO’s customizable lumbar belt encompasses the torso and restricts flexion and rotation, thereby providing stability for the trunk. Along with the posterior extending straps, this promotes postural correction for the upper spine, helping to relieve the symptoms of kyphosis.

The brace’s many customizable features allow it to be modified to suit the patient and achieve the optimum performance. The malleable telescoping sternal bar can be shaped for a custom fit, while the straps can be positioned in over-the-shoulder or underarm configurations to aid comfort.

Targeted compression and support are provided by a dual pulley system and an overlapping panel system consisting of anterior, posterior, and lateral extension panels.

Comfortable to wear and easy to don and doff, IsoFORM TLSO is available in two sizes (Small/medium and large/extra-large), and fits hips from 71 to 152 cm in circumference.

Supplemental aid is available in the form of a reusable hot/cold pack accessory sold separately for use with the brace. Simply warm up or freeze the pack before placing it into the brace’s purpose-built pocket to deliver heat or cooling therapy. It can be used for common aches, pains, swelling, and bruising, and provides fast relief for sore and stiff joints, muscle aches and pain, and muscle tension and cramps.

As well as kyphosis, IsoFORM TLSO is suitable for people with compression fractures of the thoracic spine, osteoporosis, and thoracic mechanical back pain.

You can learn more about IsoFORM TLSO by downloading our brochure

Or by visiting enovis-medtech.eu

References

  1. Bettany-Saltikov, J., Turnbull, D., Ng, S.Y., Webb, R. (2017). Management of Spinal Deformities and Evidence of Treatment Effectiveness. Open Orthop J. Dec 29(11), 1521-1547.
  2. Lorbergs, A. L., O’Connor, G. T., Zhou, Y., Travison, T. G., Kiel, D. P., Cupples, L. A., Rosen, H., & Samelson, E. J. (2017). Severity of Kyphosis and Decline in Lung Function: The Framingham Study. The journals of gerontology. Series A, Biological sciences and medical sciences, 72(5), 689–694.
  3. Huang, M. H., Barrett-Connor, E., Greendale, G. A., & Kado, D. M. (2006). Hyperkyphotic posture and risk of future osteoporotic fractures: the Rancho Bernardo study. Journal of bone and mineral research : the official journal of the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research, 21(3), 419–423.

Website

Kyphosis – Treatment – NHS (www.nhs.uk) accessed 07 May 2021

The experts striving to improve anterior knee pain treatment

Posted on | by Matthew Blackwell

One in three patients of sports medicine clinics seek treatment for anterior knee pain1,2. The pain caused by this condition can prevent exercise or participation in sports, and can even lead to chronic disability and inability to work.

But a group of world experts is on a mission to improve the understanding and treatment of anterior knee pain. Along with knee brace manufacturers like DonJoy, their goal is to get people moving again.

What is anterior knee pain?

Anterior knee pain is another name for Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS), a term used to refer to pain originating from the patellofemoral joint or its surrounding soft tissues. Due to the pain being felt in all parts of the knee, anterior knee pain is actually a misleading name, though its use remains popular.

This chronic condition usually worsens with activities such as running, squatting, and climbing stairs, as well as sitting. 

What is The Patellofemoral Foundation?

Founded in 2003 by Dr John Fulkerson, The Patellofemoral Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the care of individuals with anterior knee problems through targeted education and research.

The author of many articles and books on patellofemoral pain, Dr Fulkerson is Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at Yale University. As well as sitting on the boards of a range of orthopedic associations, he has also been team doctor for the U.S. Olympic Ice Hockey team, the NHL Hartford Whalers, and the AHL Hartford Wolfpack.

Over the past two decades, The Patellofemoral Foundation has made progress in the understanding of anterior knee pain. Anatomic and clinical studies funded by it or carried out by its members have revealed previously unrecognized sources of pain leading to specific pain treatments around the front of the knee3.

During this time, technological advancements in radiology such as computerized tomography and MRI have also allowed greater understanding of the mechanical behavior of the patella.

The Patellofemoral Foundation

Yet despite this progress, much remains to be done to improve things for patients suffering from anterior knee pain. Among the objectives the foundation still seeks to achieve are to refine the indications for anterior knee pain management and surgery, improve bracing and non-operative measures, standardize operative approaches, and develop an educational network that reaches deep into the sports medicine and orthopedic communities.

One of the companies supporting the foundation in its efforts is Enovis. With its DonJoy brand offering a full range of patellofemoral knee braces, the orthopedics manufacturer has an important role to play in the conservative management of patients with anterior knee pain.

Tru-Pull® and the role of bracing in anterior knee pain treatment

A conservative aspect of anterior knee pain treatment is knee bracing. Wearing a patellofemoral knee brace can increase stability of the patella to reduce anterior knee pain4.

Developed in partnership with Dr Fulkerson, DonJoy’s Tru-Pull Advanced® knee brace is designed to place a dynamic pull on the patella during knee extension to improve alignment and reduce anterior pain.

Available in sleeve or hinged versions, the Tru-Pull Advanced provides support for patients with patellofemoral malalignment, subluxation, and dislocations.

Also available is the Tru-Pull Lite™, a shorter, more slimline version for enhanced comfort and ease of use. It is recommended for acute mild to moderate anterior knee pain, support for patella instability, lateral subluxation, and maltracking.

Tru-Pull Lite knee brace

DonJoy PateLax™ – flexible support for anterior knee pain

DonJoy PateLax™ is a new knitted elastic support that protects and supports the patella and is used to address overuse injuries such as anterior knee pain.

The brace offers targeted compression and a comfortable fit with its soft, breathable, elastic materials in a 3D-knit design.

DonJoy PateLax offers the following features:

  • Its anatomically contoured knee pad provides a massaging effect and helps improve proprioception by aiding stability and guidance of the patella
  • The patellar tendon pad with strap helps relieve tension at the tip of the patella and the tibial tuberosity (the bump on the top of the tibia where the patellar tendon connects)
  • Medial and lateral support of the knee are provided by a pair of flexible bilateral stays
  • Compression-reduced edges help provide a comfortable fit by diverting pressure at the ends of the support
  • Breathability, comfort, and freedom of movement are aided by stretch zones over the patella and the back of the knee
  • Non-slip silicone-coated bands help keep the brace in place

Stylish, modern, and easy to wash, DonJoy PateLax is a comfortable and convenient way for people to address anterior knee pain.

Learn more

References

  1. Chesworth, B. M., Culham, E., Tata, G. E., & Peat, M. (1989). Validation of outcome measures in patients with patellofemoral syndrome. The Journal of orthopaedic and sports physical therapy, 10(8), 302–308.
  2. Boling, M., Padua, D., Marshall, S., Guskiewicz, K., Pyne, S., & Beutler, A. (2010). Gender differences in the incidence and prevalence of patellofemoral pain syndrome. Scandinavian journal of medicine & science in sports, 20(5), 725–730.
  3. Fulkerson J. P. (2002). Diagnosis and treatment of patients with patellofemoral pain. The American journal of sports medicine, 30(3), 447–456.
  4. Selfe, J., Thewlis, D., Hill, S., Whitaker, J., Sutton, C., & Richards, J. (2011). A clinical study of the biomechanics of step descent using different treatment modalities for patellofemoral pain. Gait & posture, 34(1), 92–96.

How wearing a soft brace can help jumper’s knee pain

Posted on | by Matthew Blackwell

One of the risks of regular participation in sports and physical activity is the potential for incurring overuse injuries such as jumper’s knee or Osgood-Schlatter disease. Painful conditions like these can be a barrier to further participation, but evidence shows that wearing a soft brace can help prevent or reduce knee pain,1,2 and a new elastic knee support from DonJoy could offer just the solution.

What is jumper’s knee?

The tendon which connects the kneecap (patella) to the shin bone (tibia) is called the patellar tendon. Inflammation of this tendon is called patellar tendonitis – more commonly known as “jumper’s knee.”

Jumper’s knee is an overuse injury often sustained from sporting activities involving repeated jumping on hard surfaces. The repetitive stress placed on the patella tendon from jumping and landing puts strain on the tendon which can leave it inflamed.

As well as causing swelling, jumper’s knee also causes pain below the patella, which can be felt more acutely when jumping, running, walking, or when bending and straightening the leg.

What is Osgood-Schlatter disease?

Another potential source of knee pain is Osgood-Schlatter disease. This condition causes painful swelling where the patella tendon connects to the top of the tibia. The most common sufferers of Osgood-Schlatter disease are young athletes – particularly boys aged 10-15 – who take part in sports or activities involving lots of running and/or jumping.

While they are still growing, the ends of children’s bones have not yet hardened, making them more susceptible to stress. Activities that put stress on the knee, such as running, bending, or squatting, can irritate these areas of cartilage and lead to painful swelling.

How to help jumper’s knee pain or Osgood-Schlatter disease

There are a number of ways to help prevent or reduce jumper’s knee pain or Osgood-Schlatter disease:

  • Follow the RICE protocol. REST the knee where possible. Apply an ICE pack to the knee for up to 30 minutes. Wear an elastic support on the knee for COMPRESSION. And use a pillow for ELEVATION to raise the foot and reduce swelling
  • Anti-inflammatories can help with the pain and swelling
  • Wear a soft brace. The support that soft braces provide can help to prevent jumpers’s knee, or aid recovery

Try DonJoy PateLax™ – flexible support for the patella

DonJoy PateLax™ is a new knitted elastic support designed to protect and support the patella, as well as provide relief at the patellar tendon insertion. It can be used to address overuse injuries such as jumper’s knee and Osgood-Schlatter disease.

Made from soft, breathable, elastic materials in a 3D-knit design, the brace offers a comfortable way to support the knee with targeted compression.

DonJoy PateLax offers the wearer a range of beneficial features:

  • An anatomically contoured knee pad aids stability and guidance of the patella, provides a massaging effect, and helps improve proprioception
  • A patellar tendon pad with strap helps relieve tension at the tip of the patella and the tibial tuberosity (the bump on the top of the tibia where the patellar tendon connects)
  • A pair of flexible bilateral stays help provide medial and lateral support to the knee
  • Compression-reduced edges help divert pressure at the ends of the support to provide a comfortable fit
  • Stretch zones over the patella and the back of the knee aid breathability, comfort, and freedom of movement
  • Non-slip silicone-coated bands help provide extra secure hold under stress
DonJoy PateLax elastic knitted knee brace

DonJoy PateLax is indicated for the following uses:

  • Support and compression following injury to the patellar tendon
  • Proprioceptive and neuromuscular stimulation through compression
  • Overuse injuries such as Osgood-Schlatter disease
  • Patellofemoral pain syndrome
  • Patellar tendinitis
  • Patellar maltracking

Easy to wash and with a stylish, modern design, DonJoy PateLax is a great option for people wanting to help prevent or protect their knees from painful overuse injuries.

Learn more

References

  1. Sinclair JK, Selfe J, Taylor PJ, Shore HF, Richards JD. Influence of a knee brace intervention on perceived pain and patellofemoral loading in recreational athletes. Clin Biomech (Bristol, Avon). 2016 Aug;37:7-12.
  2. Phillips R, Choo S, Nuelle CW. Bracing for the Patellofemoral Joint. J Knee Surg. 2022 Feb;35(3):232-241.

DonJoy® LadyStrap – back relief, precisely for women

Posted on | by Matthew Blackwell

When it comes to choosing a back support, one of the most important considerations is finding the best fit possible. Male and female spines are fundamentally different in shape; the female spine features a greater curvature, a caudally located lordotic peak, and greater cranial peak height.1

Many back supports are designed for unisex use, meaning they aren’t always made to accommodate the natural differences in shape between men and women.

DonJoy® LadyStrap is made specifically for the female body. Fitted at the waist, with a more pronounced lumbar curvature, it’s shaped to fit a woman’s natural curves. This means women can now get the same support and targeted pain relief they expect from a DonJoy back support, but with improved comfort. And with a host of adjustable features, DonJoy LadyStrap helps provide even more precise back support.

DonJoy LadyStrap’s features

The support’s height-adjustable back pad provides additional support and compression in the back area, and can be placed at different heights to help target low back pain.

A pair of bilateral straps enables the wearer to adjust the level of compression to suit their needs; increased for activity and reduced for periods of relaxation.

Its four semi-rigid dorsal stays are curved for optimal anatomical fit and improved comfort.

The ergonomic front closure with finger loop allows for fast and simple application and adjustment. And lace fabrics create a feminine look.

These features are in addition to those that come as standard with DonJoy back supports. A lightweight, low-profile design helps make extended periods of wear

comfortable, ideal during the acute phase. Optimal thermoregulation allows air circulation under the support for enhanced breathability. And soft and comfortable materials help prevent skin irritation.

Intended use and indications

DonJoy LadyStrap is designed to provide support and stabilization of the lumbar spine and relief of low back pain. It is indicated for:

  • Acute lower back pain
  • Back pain prevention, return to activities
  • Back sprain
  • Muscular weakness
  • Lumbar disc diseases (conservative treatment)

Available in two heights and five sizes, DonJoy LadyStrap fits waists from 56 to 136 cm.

Learn more

References

  1. Hay, O., Dar, G., Abbas, J., Stein, D., May, H., Masharawi, Y., Peled, N., & Hershkovitz, I. (2015). The Lumbar Lordosis in Males and Females, Revisited. PloS one, 10(8), e0133685.

Managing tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow pain with bracing

Posted on | by Matthew Blackwell

Epicondylitis is a condition many tennis players and golfers will be familiar with. The repetitive movements associated with these activities can lead to pain in the lateral and medial tendons attached to the elbow, resulting in the conditions known commonly as ‘tennis elbow’ and ‘golfer’s elbow.’1

Tennis elbow is the most common cause of elbow pain, with 1-3% of adults affected every year, and a higher incidence in those aged 40-60.2 If untreated, the condition can continue for an average of 6-24 months.3

One type of non-surgical treatment for epicondylitis is bracing, but how effective is it? This article looks at the clinical evidence for forearm orthoses, and introduces a new elbow brace from DonJoy®, EpiForce® Strong.

What is epicondylitis?

Epicondylitis is clinically defined as pain in the region of the epicondyle (a rounded protuberance at the end of a bone).1 The pain is often caused by inflammation or micro-tearing of the tendons that join the forearm muscles on the elbow.3

• Lateral epicondylitis: Pain in the tendons that attach on the outside of the elbow. Also known as tennis elbow

• Medial epicondylitis: Pain in the tendons that attach on the inside of the elbow. Also known as golfer’s elbow

Image credit: BruceBlaus, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

What causes epicondylitis?

The overuse aspect of epicondylitis is often caused by repetitive wrist extension with alternating supination/pronation, hence its association with tennis and golf.3

However, these injuries can also be caused by forceful or repetitive work tasks, such as those involving non-neutral positions of the upper extremities, use of heavy tools, and high physical strain.4 Obesity and smoking are also risk factors for medial epicondylitis.1

Treatment of epicondylitis

Epicondylitis is first treated non-operatively, with a reported success rate of 90% over 12 to 18 months.5 Surgery is usually only recommended when conservative management fails to relieve symptoms after 6 to 12 months.6

Types of non-surgical epicondylitis treatment include:

  • Counterforce bracing
  • NSAIDs
  • Physical therapy and activity modification
  • Corticosteroid injections
  • Shockwave therapy

These interventions are aimed at relieving tendon strain, reducing tendon irritation and inflammation, and allowing the tendons to heal.5

Elbow bracing for epicondylitis

Elbow counterforce bracing is prescribed in 77% of tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) cases in the USA.2 The most common type is a forearm orthosis, a band worn around the forearm to reduce loading on the extensor tendons of the elbow.

However, because the way in which these braces reduce pain and improve function in elbow epicondylitis is not well understood, it may be helpful to review a selection of clinical studies.7

Kroslak et al.’s 2019 clinical trial found that wearing Procare elbow braces reduced the level and frequency of pain for patients suffering lateral epicondylitis. They also helped reduce difficulties with picking up objects and twisting motions, lateral epicondyle tenderness, grip strength, and overall elbow function. Of the two braces used, the padded counterforce brace appeared to accelerate the recovery process and provide better pain relief.8

In their 2019 study, Barati et al. found that both an elbow band and an elbow sleeve were effective in improving proprioception, pain severity, and force production in the hand. However, better finger dexterity was achieved with the forearm band only.9

In their study comparing an elbow band to a wrist orthosis for treating epicondylitis, Akkurt et al. (2018) found both were effective. Pain, function, muscle strength, and quality of life were all improved.10

The results of Sadeghi-Demneh et al.’s 2013 study showed an elbow band and sleeve and a wrist brace all provided immediate improvement in lateral epicondylitis pain severity. Overall, the elbow band and sleeve were more effective.11

Heales et al.’s 2020 systematic review found that forearm orthoses can immediately reduce pain during contraction and improve pain-free grip strength, but not maximal grip strength, in individuals with lateral elbow tendinopathy.7

In conclusion, the literature presented here shows elbow bracing reduces frequency and level of pain, and improves function, pain-free grip strength, proprioception, and finger dexterity for patients with elbow epicondylitis.

Introducing EpiForce® Strong from DonJoy® – the easy way to elbow relief

When it comes to pain relief for the elbow, EpiForce Strong is the easy option.

Thanks to its removable pressure pad, DonJoy’s latest product offers a 2-in-1 bracing solution for tennis and golfer’s elbow. By simply moving the pad to the appropriate position, the brace can be used to help provide targeted pain relief for either lateral or medial epicondylitis.

Fitting is fast and simple and can be achieved with just one hand. Made from snap-fit material, the support wraps instantly around the arm and stays there while the patient clips the buckle into place. The single strap can then be adjusted easily to provide the suitable degree of compression; tighten the strap during activity, loosen it during periods of rest.  

Lightweight and low profile, the brace can be worn comfortably throughout the day. And with universal sizing for either arm, EpiForce Strong even takes the hassle out of ordering.

Learn more

References

  1. Shiri, R., Viikari-Juntura, E., Varonen, H. and Heliövaara, M., 2006. Prevalence and determinants of lateral and medial epicondylitis: a population study. American journal of epidemiology, 164(11), pp.1065-1074.
  2. Sanders Jr, T.L., Maradit Kremers, H., Bryan, A.J., Ransom, J.E., Smith, J. and Morrey, B.F., 2015. The epidemiology and health care burden of tennis elbow: a population-based study. The American journal of sports medicine, 43(5), pp.1066-1071.
  3. Johnson, G.W., Cadwallader, K., Scheffel, S.B. and Epperly, T.D., 2007. Treatment of lateral epicondylitis. American family physician, 76(6), pp.843-848.
  4. Haahr, J.P. and Andersen, J.H., 2003. Physical and psychosocial risk factors for lateral epicondylitis: a population based case-referent study. Occupational and environmental medicine, 60(5), pp.322-329.
  5. Ahmed, A.F., Rayyan, R., Zikria, B.A. and Salameh, M., 2022. Lateral epicondylitis of the elbow: an up-to-date review of management. European Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery & Traumatology, pp.1-6.
  6. Calfee, R.P., Patel, A., DaSilva, M.F. and Akelman, E., 2008. Management of lateral epicondylitis: current concepts. JAAOS-Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 16(1), pp.19-29.
  7. Heales, L.J., McClintock, S.R., Maynard, S., Lems, C.J., Rose, J.A., Hill, C., Kean, C.O. and Obst, S., 2020. Evaluating the immediate effect of forearm and wrist orthoses on pain and function in individuals with lateral elbow tendinopathy: a systematic review. Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, 47, p.102-147.
  8. Kroslak, M., Pirapakaran, K., & Murrell, G. (2019). Counterforce bracing of lateral epicondylitis: a prospective, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Journal of shoulder and elbow surgery, 28(2), 288–295.
  9. Barati, H., Zarezadeh, A., MacDermid, J. C., & Sadeghi-Demneh, E. (2019). The immediate sensorimotor effects of elbow orthoses in patients with lateral elbow tendinopathy: a prospective crossover study. Journal of shoulder and elbow surgery, 28(1), e10–e17.
  10. Akkurt, H. E., Kocabaş, H., Yılmaz, H., Eser, C., Şen, Z., Erol, K., G ksu, H., Karaca, G., & Baktık, S. (2018). Comparison of an epicondylitis bandage with a wrist orthosis in patients with lateral epicondylitis. Prosthetics and orthotics international, 42(6), 599–605.
  11. Sadeghi-Demneh, E., & Jafarian, F. (2013). The immediate effects of orthoses on pain in people with lateral epicondylalgia. Pain research and treatment, 2013, 353597.

How a back brace can help patients with osteoporosis

Posted on | by Matthew Blackwell

Osteoporosis is a progressive condition that weakens bones, making them fragile and more likely to break.

As a result of this loss of bone, many osteoporosis patients will also suffer spinal compression fractures, with 1.4 million new clinical vertebral fractures reported in the year 2000.1 Such fractures can have a serious impact on a person’s ability to maintain an active lifestyle, with pain and a loss of confidence presenting two formidable challenges to overcome.

One therapeutic option available to osteoporotic patients is semi-rigid back bracing. These kinds of medical orthoses are designed to alleviate the symptoms of vertebral osteoporosis and help patients stay active, but what evidence is there that a back brace can help patients with osteoporosis?

What causes osteoporosis?

Bone naturally becomes thinner as a person ages, but women are especially vulnerable to osteoporosis after the menopause because their ovaries no longer produce oestrogen hormones which help maintain bone mass. Around 200 million women worldwide are estimated to be affected by osteoporosis.2

Other causes of osteoporosis are:

  • Removal of the ovaries
  • A diet lacking sufficient calcium
  • Certain hormonal disorders
  • Prolonged use of corticosteroid drugs
  • Prolonged immobility

Osteoporosis is also more common in heavy smokers and drinkers.

What are the symptoms and signs of osteoporosis?

The first sign of osteoporosis is often a fracture caused by a fall that would not result in a fracture in a young adult. Typical sites for such fractures are the wrist and the top of the femur.

Another type of fracture that occurs in osteoporosis is a spontaneous fracture of one or several vertebrae, which causes the bones to crumble, leading to a progressive loss of height or to pain due to compression of a spinal nerve.

What are spinal compression fractures, and how are they treated?

Spinal compression fractures occur when the combined axial and bending loads on the spine exceed the strength of the vertebral body, resulting in the collapse of the vertebrae.

These fractures are associated with back pain and disability, loss of height, and kyphosis – a spinal disorder in which excessive curving of the spine results in an exaggerated forward rounding of the upper back.3,4,5

Spinal compression fractures involving the anterior elements of the spinal column are considered stable fractures and most patients remain neurologically intact.5,6

Once a diagnosis is confirmed, the first line of treatment is typically conservative pain management, usually involving some form of bracing or physiotherapy.5,6

Some patients who fail conservative treatment may require hospitalization, long term care, and surgical interventions such as percutaneous vertebroplasty and balloon kyphoplasty.5,6

How can bracing help osteoporosis patients?

Orthopedic back braces designed for the management of osteoporosis symptoms should perform some or all of the following functions:

  • Control pain by limiting motion7
  • Stabilize injured structures by immobilizing the spine7
  • Provide pressure to promote correction and prevent deformity7
  • Reduce pain and fatigue8
  • Promote function or participation8

Of the different types, semi-rigid back braces seem to be the most effective, with good clinical evidence supporting their use for osteoporotic patients.

In 2011, Jacobs et al. demonstrated that using a semi-rigid thoracolumbar orthosis seems to have a positive effect on gait and stability in patients suffering from an osteoporotic spinal compression fracture.9  

In the same year, a study by Pfeifer et al. showed that the use of a semi-rigid orthosis increases trunk muscle strength and therefore improves posture in patients with vertebral fractures caused by osteoporosis.10

In Dionyssiotis et al.’s 2015 study, they showed that semi-rigid orthoses could be an effective intervention for improving back pain and muscle strength in osteoporotic women.11

And Meccariello et al. (2017) demonstrated that a semi-rigid orthosis proved to be safe and effective in the treatment of thoracolumbar osteoporotic vertebral fracture, with better functional outcome and less complications compared to a standard rigid 3-point orthosis.12

Introducing DonJoy® Osteostrap – a new back brace for osteoporosis

With its innovative modular design, DonJoy® Osteostrap utilizes a set of adjustable features to aid active relief and postural correction of the thoracic spine.

The brace’s reverse shoulder straps, semi-rigid dorsal frame, and lumbar belt combine to provide patient-specific support and correction of kyphotic posture through active relief and stabilization of the spine. The brace is easy to self-fit, and its intuitive fixtures remain within easy reach for hassle-free adjustment.

Comprised of two separate sections, the brace allows 15 combinations of different lumbar belt and dorsal frame sizes to accommodate spine lengths from C7-S1, as well as waist circumferences from 56 – 130 cm.

Soft, elastic, breathable materials help provide a comfortable fit, allowing extended periods of wear and encouraging patient compliance. Also, the brace’s low-profile shape allows the wearer to maintain freedom of movement while remaining supportive.

User-friendly, comfortable, and available in a wide range of sizes, DonJoy Osteostrap offers patients suffering from osteoporosis and other debilitating back conditions the support they need to help live a normal, active life.

Learn more about DonJoy Osteostrap here.

References

  1. Johnell, O., & Kanis, J. A. (2006). An estimate of the worldwide prevalence and disability associated with osteoporotic fractures. Osteoporosis international : a journal established as result of cooperation between the European Foundation for Osteoporosis and the National Osteoporosis Foundation of the USA, 17(12), 1726–1733.
  2. Reginster, J. Y., & Burlet, N. (2006). Osteoporosis: a still increasing prevalence. Bone, 38(2 Suppl 1), S4–S9.
  3. Mathis, J.M., Barr, J.D., Belkoff, S.M., Barr, M.S., Jensen, M.E. and Deramond, H., 2001. Percutaneous vertebroplasty: a developing standard of care for vertebral compression fractures. American journal of neuroradiology, 22(2), pp.373-381.
  4. Burge, R., Dawson-Hughes, B., Solomon, D.H., Wong, J.B., King, A. and Tosteson, A., 2007. Incidence and economic burden of osteoporosis‐related fractures in the United States, 2005–2025. Journal of bone and mineral research, 22(3), pp.465-475.
  5. Genant, H.K., Cooper, C., Poor, G., Reid, I., Ehrlich, G., Kanis, J., Nordin, B.C., Barrett-Connor, E., Black, D., Bonjour, J.P. and Dawson-Hughes, B., 1999. Interim report and recommendations of the World Health Organization task-force for osteoporosis. Osteoporosis international, 10(4), p.259.
  6. Kanis, J.A., 1999. The burden of osteoporosis. Journal of endocrinological investigation, 22(8), pp.583-588.
  7. Kato, T., Inose, H., Ichimura, S., Tokuhashi, Y., Nakamura, H., Hoshino, M., Togawa, D., Hirano, T., Haro, H., Ohba, T., Tsuji, T., Sato, K., Sasao, Y., Takahata, M., Otani, K., Momoshima, S., Tateishi, U., Tomita, M., Takemasa, R., Yuasa, M., … Okawa, A. (2019). Comparison of Rigid and Soft- Brace Treatments for Acute Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fracture: A Prospective, Randomized, Multicenter Study. Journal of clinical medicine, 8(2), 198.
  8. Newman, M., Lowe, C.M. and Barker, K., 2016. Spinal orthoses for vertebral osteoporosis and osteoporotic vertebral fracture: a systematic review. Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation, 97(6), pp.1013-1025.
  9. Jacobs, E., Senden, R., McCrum, C., van Rhijn, L. W., Meijer, K., & Willems, P. C. (2019). Effect of a semirigid thoracolumbar orthosis on gait and sagittal alignment in patients with an osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture. Clinical interventions in aging, 14, 671–680.
  10. Pfeifer, M., Kohlwey, L., Begerow, B., & Minne, H. W. (2011). Effects of two newly developed spinal orthoses on trunk muscle strength, posture, and quality-of-life in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis: a randomized trial. American journal of physical medicine & rehabilitation, 90(10), 805–815.
  11. Dionyssiotis, Y., Trovas, G., Thoma, S., Lyritis, G., & Papaioannou, N. (2015). Prospective study of spinal orthoses in women. Prosthetics and orthotics international, 39(6), 487–495.
  12. Meccariello, L., Muzii, V. F., Falzarano, G., Medici, A., Carta, S., Fortina, M., & Ferrata, P. (2017). Dynamic corset versus three-point brace in the treatment of osteoporotic compression fractures of the thoracic and lumbar spine: a prospective, comparative study. Aging clinical and experimental research, 29(3), 443–449.

How a soft brace can help maintain an active life

Posted on | by Matthew Blackwell

When asked for their reasons for avoiding exercise, patients often blame pain and a lack of confidence due to perceived joint instability.

Such barriers to activity can be the first steps on a downwards slope to more serious health conditions, which is why it is so important for these patients to maintain a healthy level of activity in their daily lives.

An easy, low-cost way to address the symptoms that prevent exercise is soft bracing. Soft braces are elastic and non-adhesive orthoses often used to reduce barriers to activity.1

Soft braces achieve this by:

•   Improving joint proprioception1,5

Proprioception is the body’s ability to sense its own location, movements, and actions. Soft braces supposedly act on sensory receptors in the skin that contribute to improvements in proprioception1,2,5

•   Reducing pain1,6

Tactile stimulation provided by a soft brace can cause neural inhibition leading to the reduction of pain signals1,2

•   Improving joint stability1,7

Mechanical effects are usually associated with soft bracing. However, it has been suggested that a reduction in joint instability may be the result of additional sensory input from the brace, leading to improvements in proprioception1,2

Why use a soft brace?

•   Ease of use

With mechanical bracing, despite improvements in patient reported outcomes, there is an unwillingness amongst patients to wear these braces for prolonged periods3,4

•   Low cost

Soft bracing is mostly designed for compression and is usually elasticated. Due to the lack of hinges and metallic material, they are usually significantly cheaper than mechanical alternatives

•   Improve patient compliance

Mechanical bracing is sometimes associated with poor compliance due to factors such as skin irritation, discomfort, bad fit, bulkiness, practicality, and social stigma5

Introducing elastic knitted supports from DonJoy®

DonJoy® began life in 1978 when two ex-professional American Football players cut up their old wetsuits to make knee supports, and the company has since gone on to become a major player in the field of orthopedic and sports medicine bracing.

Continuing its track record of delivering high quality, practical products for sports and everyday activities, DonJoy now introduces a new line of soft active supports to help prevent and recover from injuries.

Comprising ten options for the ankle, knee, elbow, and wrist, this range combines supportive yet adjustable features with lightweight, adaptable materials to help provide:

  • Prevention
  • Protection
  • Stabilization
  • Compression
  • Support
  • Proprioception

Each product’s knitted construction uses a multidirectional elastic fabric which helps provide effective and targeted compression and support. This elastic material is also soft and breathable for enhanced comfort, which is further provided by compression-reduced edges that help divert pressure at the ends of the support.

The range comprises:

  • 3 ankle supports
  • 5 knee supports
  • 1 elbow support
  • 1 wrist support

Attractive and ergonomic, these supports won’t compromise style or comfort, leaving patients feeling confident and free to continue an active lifestyle.

To learn more about DonJoy’s range of elastic knitted supports, visit enovis-medtech.eu

References

  1. Cudejko T, van der Esch M, van den Noort JC, Rijnhart JJ, van der Leeden M, Roorda LD, Lems W, Waddington G, Harlaar J, Dekker J, 2019. Decreased pain and improved dynamic knee instability mediate the beneficial effect of wearing a soft knee brace on activity limitations in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Arthritis care & research 71 (8), pp.1036 1043.
  2. Hassan BS, Mockett S, Doherty M. Influence of elastic bandage on knee pain, proprioception, and postural sway in subjects with knee osteoarthritis . Ann Rheum Dis 2002;61:24 8.
  3. Cudejko T, van der Esch M, van der Leeden M, van den Noort JC, Roorda LD, Lems W, Twisk J, Steultjens M, Woodburn J, Harlaar J, Dekker J. The immediate effect of a soft knee brace on pain, activity limitations, self-reported knee instability, and self-reported knee confidence in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Arthritis Res Ther. 2017 Dec 1;19(1):260.
  4. Beaudreuil J, Bendaya S, Faucher M, Coudeyre E, Ribinik P, Revel M, Rannou F. Clinical practice guidelines for rest orthosis, knee sleeves, and unloading knee braces in knee osteoarthritis. Joint Bone Spine. 2009 Dec;76(6):629-36.
  5. Kwaees, T.A., Richards, J., Rawlinson, G., Charalambous, C.P. and Chohan, A., 2019. Can the use of proprioceptive knee braces have implications in the management of osteoarthritic knees: An exploratory study. Prosthetics and orthotics international, 43(2), pp.140-147.
  6. Sinclair JK, Selfe J, Taylor PJ, Shore HF, Richards JD. Influence of a knee brace intervention on perceived pain and patellofemoral loading in recreational athletes. Clin Biomech (Bristol, Avon). 2016 Aug;37:7-12.
  7. Sinclair, JK, Vincent, H, Richards, JD. Effects of prophylactic knee bracing on knee joint kinetics and kinematics during netball specific movements. Physical therapy in sport : official journal of the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Sports Medicine. 2018; 23, 93–98.