How does the Unloader Knee Brace work?

Unloader braces unload the affected, painful side of the knee using a 3-Point Leverage System. The thigh and calf shells account for two points of leverage, while the Dynamic Force Strap (the diagonal strap above the knee) provides the third. This system "unloads" the pressure from the affected area, providing a reduction in pain. Unloader knee braces feature a lightweight, low-profile design, which is barely noticeable, and fits discreetly under clothing. Utilising the SmartDosing® dial with Boa® technology, it provides you with a simplified, single hand dosing dial for on-the-fly adjustability, helping you better manage unicompartmental OA knee pain.

View the features of the Unloader One X below or Find a Clinic near you to determine which Unloader brace is right for you.

Clinical Research for Unloader One Knee Brace

Recent clinical research by the Steadman Philippon Research Institute demonstrated potential decreased pain, improved function and a reduction in usage of pain medication for patients using the Unloader One knee brace. The support provided by the brace may enable users to take up activities they might have started to avoid because of the pain and stiffness caused by osteoarthritis. For some patients, the Unloader One may mean surgery is no longer a necessity, as their mobility may be increased and knee pain may be reduced. For others, the knee brace is used as an interim solution, potentially postponing the need for surgery until they feel prepared for the procedure.

• 25% of patients reported a reduction in the use of pain medication.*
• 31% of patients reported a reduction in the use of over-the-counter (OTC) anti-inflammatories.*
• 35% of patients reported a reduction in the use of prescription anti-inflammatories.*

* Briggs, K.K., Matheny, L.M., and Steadman, J.R. 2012. Improvement in quality of life with use of an unloader knee brace in active patients with OA: A prospective cohort study. J Knee Surg 25, 417-422. This study was sponsored by Össur.

Our knee OA braces are solutions you can rely on. For other needs, support with early OA or ligament instability, check out these options.