Clinical and biomechanical evaluation of the unloading brace.

A study based on the biomechanical study of the OAdjuster unloading brace (dj Orthopedics, Vista, Calif) was conducted clinically in 28 patients. Mechanical axis of the knees tested ranged from 100 valgus to 15 degrees varus. Patients were then assessed using a questionnaire, and technician bone scans at 1-, 3-, and 6-month follow-up. The average resting pain decreased from 4.2 to 2.1 at 3 months. Night pain decreased from 3.9 to 2.6, and pain with activity decreased from 7.2 to 3.9. Bone scan changes were insignificant. The results of both studies showed load shifting braces to be effective in reducing pain and shifting the center axis of pressure. The use of load shifting braces in the treatment of unicompartmental osteoarthritis, osteochondral lesions, ligament instabilities, and meniscal repairs or transplants should be considered as part of their treatment regime by orthopedic surgeons.