The role of orthoses in knee osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVES: Taking into account that the role of orthoses in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) is unclear and controversial, the purpose of this article is to review recent literature with the aim of answering the following question: What is the current role of orthoses in the treatment of knee OA?

METHODS: A Cochrane Library and PubMed (MEDLINE) search related to the role of orthoses in knee OA was performed.

RESULTS: Unloader braces decrease the adduction moment of the knee. In patients with varus medial compartment knee OA bracing is beneficial for pain, stiffness, function and quality of life (low grade of evidence). Lateral wedge arch support insoles seem not to decrease knee load. Lateral wedge insoles appear inefficacious at attenuating structural changes in patients with medial knee OA.

CONCLUSIONS: The ideal option for an orthosis in patients with knee OA keeps on indeterminate, and long-run inferences are lacking.