Comparison of the efficacy of laterally wedged insoles and bespoke unloader knee orthoses in treating medial compartment knee osteoarthritis

Mokhtar Arazpour, Monireh Ahmadi Bani, Maryam Maleki, Farhad Tabatabai Ghomshe, Reza Vahab Kashani, Stephen W Hutchins

Abstract

Background: Patients suffering from medial compartment knee osteoarthritis (OA) may be treated with unloader knee orthoses or laterally wedged insoles.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to identify and compare the effects of them on the gait parameters and pain in these patients.

Study Design: Quasi-experimental.

Methods: Volunteer subjects with medial compartment knee OA (n = 24, mean age 59.29 ± 2.23 years) were randomly assigned to two separate groups and evaluated when wearing an unloader knee orthosis or insoles incorporating a 6° lateral wedge. Testing was performed at baseline and after six weeks of each orthosis use. A visual analog scale score was used to assess pain and gait analysis was utilized to determine gait parameters.

Results: Both orthoses improved all parameters compared to the baseline condition (p= 0.000). However, no significant differences in pain (p = 0.649), adduction moment (p= 0.205), speed of walking (p = 0. 056) or step length (p = 0.687) were demonstrated between them. The knee range of motion (p = 0.000) were significantly different between the two interventions.

Conclusion: Both orthoses reduced knee pain. Maximum knee range of motion was increased by both interventions although it was 3 degrees less when wearing the knee orthosis.

http://poi.sagepub.com/content/early/2012/08/02/0309364612447094.abstract