Tag: Osteoarthritis

Embracing the latest in knee osteoarthritis care: ROAM OA

Posted on | by Matthew Blackwell

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.

DonJoy ROAM OA patient

‘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.’

ROAM OA cross strap

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

  1. 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.

DonJoy OA GO® – an OA knee brace with a twist

Posted on | by Matthew Blackwell

Living with knee osteoarthritis (OA) can significantly impact daily life, making even simple activities challenging. DonJoy OA GO® is a groundbreaking knee brace designed to help alleviate pain and improve mobility for those suffering from this condition. This innovative brace features several key components that work together to help provide effective relief and support.

Innovative design and functionality

The standout feature of the DonJoy OA GO knee brace is its unique three-point offloading system, which specifically targets and offloads the affected knee compartment. This system helps to reduce the pressure on the damaged area, thereby helping to alleviate pain and discomfort.

The brace also includes dual BOA® dials that allow for easy adjustments. With a simple turn of these dials, users can customize the level of support they need, ensuring a personalized fit that caters to their specific condition.

How OA GO works

Comfort and stability

Comfort is crucial when it comes to wearing a knee brace for extended periods. The OA GO knee brace addresses this with flexible shells and anti-slip bands. These features help ensure that the brace stays in place and does not migrate during use, providing consistent support throughout the day.

Additionally, the brace is made from breathable, anti-bacterial material, which promotes hygiene and makes it suitable for long-term wear without causing irritation or discomfort.

Enhancing quality of life

The goal of the DonJoy OA GO knee brace is to help users maintain an active and fulfilling lifestyle despite their osteoarthritis. Whether you’re engaging in outdoor activities, climbing stairs, or playing with your grandchildren, this brace offers the support you need to help stay active and pain-free. The ability to adjust the brace easily means that you can tailor the support to your activity level, providing more stability or flexibility when you need it.

Versatility and availability

Half wrap, half sleeve, the OA GO knee brace combines the benefits of both to make fitting quick and easy. Simply open the thigh section then pull the lower sleeve section over the calf before securing the support with the hook-and-loop fastening.

Available in various sizes, the brace is a versatile option for individuals with different needs and body types, helping to ensure that patients can find a brace that fits them well and provides the necessary support. The ease of use and adjustability make it a convenient choice for managing mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis.

Living with knee osteoarthritis doesn’t have to mean giving up the activities you love. The DonJoy OA GO knee brace offers a practical and effective solution to manage pain and improve mobility. With its innovative design, adjustable support, and focus on comfort, this brace can help you lead a more active and pain-free life.

For more information on the DonJoy OA GO knee brace, visit www.donjoyoabraces.com/oa-go

BOA® is a registered trademark of Boa Technology, Inc.

Understanding knee osteoarthritis and how DonJoy® OA braces can help

Posted on | by Matthew Blackwell

Living with knee osteoarthritis (OA) can be a challenging experience, marked by pain and limited mobility. For those navigating this condition, finding ways to manage symptoms and maintain an active lifestyle is crucial. This is where DonJoy® OA braces come into play, offering a range of innovative products designed to alleviate pain and support knee health.

What is knee osteoarthritis?

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of cartilage in the knee joint. This deterioration leads to pain, stiffness, and swelling, making everyday activities challenging. Common risk factors include aging, obesity, joint injuries, and repetitive stress on the knee joints.

Knee osteoarthritis diagram

The role of bracing in knee OA management

Bracing is a non-invasive treatment option that can significantly reduce pain and improve function for individuals with knee OA.1 By redistributing weight away from the affected compartment of the knee, braces help decrease pressure on the affected areas, helping to provide relief and enhance mobility.2,3

Go Roam with DonJoy OA braces

DonJoy has established itself as a leader in the field of orthopedic bracing, offering a variety of braces designed for the full spectrum of knee OA severities. Two new products in their lineup include the DonJoy OA GO® and the ROAM™ OA.

DonJoy OA GO®: This brace is designed with a unique fitting mechanism that allows for easy adjustments, helping to provide personalized pain relief and support. It’s an excellent option for individuals looking for a customizable and comfortable brace to address mild to moderate single compartment osteoarthritis.

ROAM™ OA: As the latest innovation in offloader braces, the ROAM OA offers advanced features aimed at maximizing comfort and mobility. This brace is for active individuals who need robust support without compromising their movement. Designed for moderate to severe unicompartmental knee osteoarthritis.

Why choose DonJoy OA braces?

Innovation and quality: With a legacy of over forty years of knee bracing, DonJoy is renowned for its commitment to quality and continuous innovation, ensuring our braces meet the highest standards.

Patient-centered design: Our knee osteoarthritis braces are designed with the patient’s needs in mind, offering features that enhance comfort and ease of use.

Proven effectiveness: Clinical studies and patient testimonials highlight the effectiveness of DonJoy OA braces in reducing pain and improving quality of life.3,4,5

Additional resources and support

In addition to our product offerings, we provide extensive patient education resources on our OA braces website. These resources cover various aspects of knee OA, from understanding the condition to exploring different treatment options.

If you or someone you know is struggling with knee osteoarthritis, consider speaking to a healthcare professional about the braces offered by DonJoy. With the right brace, managing knee OA can become a more manageable part of daily life, allowing for continued activity and improved well-being.

For more information on knee OA and DonJoy OA braces, visit our official website: www.donjoyoabraces.com.

References

  1. Brophy RH, Fillingham YA. AAOS Clinical Practice Guideline Summary: Management of Osteoarthritis of the Knee (Nonarthroplasty), Third Edition. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2022 May 1;30(9):e721-e729.
  2. Nagai K, Yang S, Fu FH, Anderst W. Unloader knee brace increases medial compartment joint space during gait in knee osteoarthritis patients. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2019 Jul;27(7):2354-2360.
  3. Dries T, Van Der Windt JW, Akkerman W, Kluijtmans M, Janssen RPA. Effects Of A Semi-rigid Knee Brace On Mobility And Pain In People With Knee Osteoarthritis. J Rehabil Med Clin Commun. 2022 Jul 5;5:2483.
  4. Khan SJ, Khan SS, Usman J, Mokhtar AH, Abu Osman NA. Orthoses versus gait retraining: Immediate response in improving physical performance measures in healthy and medial knee osteoarthritic adults. Proc Inst Mech Eng H. 2020 Jul;234(7):749-757.
  5. Nagai K, Yang S, Fu FH, Anderst W. Unloader knee brace increases medial compartment joint space during gait in knee osteoarthritis patients. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2019 Jul;27(7):2354-2360.

Say goodbye to knee pain and hello to ROAM™ OA: the latest innovation in OA braces from DonJoy®

Posted on | by Matthew Blackwell

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a painful condition that affects over 650 million people worldwide1. Occurring predominantly in those aged 40 and over, the barrier to activity it presents can have a debilitating effect on both the physical and mental health of sufferers. Thankfully, knee braces have been shown to have a positive effect on the symptoms of OA2, and with the release of ROAM™ OA, DonJoy® has a new way to help OA patients reduce knee pain and stay active and healthy.

Comfortable, easy to use, and effective

Regular use of offloader knee braces has been shown to contribute to improved daily functioning, reduced pain, and enhanced mobility, ultimately leading to a better quality of life2. ROAM OA is designed to improve mobility and provide relief by unloading the pressure of moderate to severe unicompartmental osteoarthritis or other knee pain. Its lightweight, low-profile joint offloading and support system offer a high level of comfort while remaining user-friendly for both prescribers and patients.

Designed for diverse patient needs

Whether for conservative care or as a preparation for surgery, ROAM OA’s series of adjustable settings cater to a wide range of patients looking to enhance their activity levels and maintain an active lifestyle.

To address the most challenging fitting needs, ROAM OA is also available in a custom-made version. Tailored to individual measurements, this option ensures a unique fit with custom-positioned condyle and uprights, optimal height setting, and personalized cuff sizes and strap lengths.

ROAM OA knee brace

Features and benefits

With a patient-focused approach, ROAM OA’s list of features ensures ease of use and aids compliance.

Once set by a trained fitter, the “set and forget” straps provide a visual guide for patients to help make donning and removing the brace simple and worry-free.

The patented Mag-Align magnetic buckles provide an audible “snap” on connection, instilling confidence in patients, even those with eyesight or dexterity challenges.

The BOA® Fit System allows patients to easily dial in support and pain relief on demand. Simply turn the dials to increase tension in the brace, or pull them out for quick release.

And patent-pending comfort straps and a condyle harness help negate migration of the brace while enhancing comfort by leaving the popliteal fossa area behind the knee free from friction.

To learn more about ROAM OA, visit our website: https://goto.enov.is/tW0PPi

*BOA® is a registered trademark of BOA® Technology Inc.

References

  1. Cui A, Li H, Wang D, Zhong J, Chen Y, Lu H. Global, regional prevalence, incidence and risk factors of knee osteoarthritis in population-based studies. EClinicalMedicine. 2020 Nov 26;29-30:100587.
  2. Feehan NL, Trexler GS, Barringer WJ. The Effectiveness of Off-Loading Knee Orthoses in the Reduction of Pain in Medial Compartment Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review. J Prosthet Orthot 2012;24(1):39-49.