For orthotist Laura Aggett, delivering the best outcomes for her patients is more than just a priority—it’s a passion. As the owner and director of Lewis Brand Orthotics, a leading private orthotics practice with multiple locations in the UK, Laura constantly seeks innovative solutions that can enhance her patients’ quality of life. Her dedication frequently leads her to explore the latest advancements in orthopedic products, always aiming to find the best fit for her patients’ needs.
One of Laura’s most exciting recent discoveries is DonJoy’s new ROAM OA knee brace. Designed for individuals with moderate to severe knee osteoarthritis (OA), the ROAM OA brace offers both comfort and offloading to help alleviate pain. After learning about the product from Enovis bracing specialists, Laura was eager to offer it to her patients dealing with knee OA pain.
‘I’ve been really impressed with how the ROAM OA works and how effective it is for knee osteoarthritis patients,’ says Laura.
‘I’ve only received positive feedback from my patients [on ROAM OA].’
Laura Aggett, Lewis Brand Orthotics
A standout feature of the ROAM OA knee brace is its telescoping frame, which can be adjusted to accommodate patients with unique leg shapes or sizes. ‘Some patients find that certain braces rub uncomfortably on their thigh or don’t provide the necessary force to offload the affected knee compartment,’ Laura says. ‘With the ROAM OA’s telescoping frame, I can lengthen or shorten both the proximal and distal segments of the brace to ensure a better fit, or to spread the force over a greater area.’
Ease of use is at the heart of ROAM OA’s design philosophy. Given that knee OA primarily affects older adults who may also have dexterity issues1, it is essential that products tailored for them are straightforward to apply and adjust.
‘They’ve put a lot of thought into the design of the straps,’ says Laura. ‘The magnetic touch-close fastenings make it really easy for the patients. And my favorite part is the strap that leaves the knee crease free – this definitely improves comfort and compliance.’
The ROAM OA brace also features a combination of strategically placed straps and adjustable BOA dials. These work together with the unique condyle harness to create a pulling force on the knee to help offload the affected compartment. ‘You don’t have to unload it completely like some braces,’ Laura says. ‘Instead, you can both increase and decrease the load through the BOA system on a step-by-step basis. That gives patients a lot more adjustability and flexibility for different activities like going up and down hills.’
Having only recently launched, the full impact of the ROAM OA brace on knee osteoarthritis patients is yet to be seen. However, early adopters like Laura are optimistic about its potential. ‘So far, I’ve only received positive feedback from my patients,’ she says. ‘I’m looking forward to fitting many more in the years to come.’
Laura recently presented her experiences of knee bracing on a webinar with Enovis. You can watch the recording here.
To learn more about the ROAM OA knee brace, visit our website.
References
- Pereira D, Peleteiro B, Araújo J, Branco J, Santos RA, Ramos E. The effect of osteoarthritis definition on prevalence and incidence estimates: a systematic review. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2011 Nov;19(11):1270-85.
