Unloader Research

Unloader Knee Brace Clinical Research: A synopsis of the latest research on the Unloader Knee Brace for Osteoarthritis

Kirkley A, Webster-Bogaert S, Litchfield R, Macdonald S, Amendola A, MaCalden R, Fowler P
The Effect of Bracing on Varus Gonarthrosis
Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, 81(4): 539-547, 1999.

Randomized, controlled clinical outcome study comparing the Generation II Unloader knee brace to a neoprene sleeve and to standard medical treatment, (NSAIDs or Acetaminophen, patient education and exercise), (n=119).
Results indicate that patients who have varus gonarthrosis experience a decrease in pain and improvement in disease specific quality of life with the use of an unloader  brace, in addition to standard medical treatment. The Unloader brace was more effect  than the neoprene sleeve.

Pollo FE, Otis JC, Backus SI, Warren RF, Wickiewicz TL

Reduction of Medial Compartment Loads with Valgus Bracing of the Osteoarthritic Knee.

American Journal of Sports Medicine, 30 (3): 414-421, 2002.

Prospective cohort  study measuring the load sharing capabilities of the Generation II Unloader knee brace and estimation of its effect on medial compartment force in patients with medial OA, (n=11).

Results indicate that adjustable valgus bracing (Unloader) was effective in reducing medial compartment load and subsequent pain while also improving knee function in patients with osteoarthritis.

Pollo FE, Wright, RW

Knee bracing for Unicompartmental Osteoarthritis.

Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 14:5-11, 2006.

A meta-analysis revealed that knee bracing for osteoarthritis may effectively relieve pain and improve function. Braces that reduce excessive loading on the  damaged portion of the knee have been proven to be valid brace designs (Unloader brace).

Hillstrom HJ, Brower DJ, Bhimji S, McGuire J, Whitney K, Snyder H,   Zonay L, Clayburne G, Sieck M, Schumacher HR

Assessment of Conservative Realignment Therapies for the Treatment of Varus Knee Osteoarthritis.

Gait & Posture, 11(2): 170-171, 2000.

Prospective, randomized  clinical outcomes study evaluating the efficacy, biomechanical gait analysis and changes to joint pathophysiology using the Generation II Unloader knee brace with and without in-shoe foot orthoses for the treatment of varus knee osteoarthritis (n=15).

Results indicate that valgus knee bracing, (Unloader), and neutral position foot orthoses, significantly improve lower extremity biomechanics during gait, ADLs and pain assessments in varus knee OA patients.

Horlick, SG, Loomer, RL

Valgus Knee Bracing for Medial Gonarthrosis.

Clinical  Journal of Sports Medicine, 3:251-255, 1993.

Randomized double cross-over study evaluating pain and function in patients with
medial compartment gonarthrosis (n=39).
Results indicate that valgus bracing, using the Generation II Unloader, can be a useful treatment modality for reducing pain in patients with medial gonarthrosis.