A Novel Knee Orthosis in the Treatment of Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Michael J. Khadavi, Y. T. Chen, Michael Fredericson

Carondelet Orthopaedic Surgeons and Sports Medicine, Overland Park, KS, USA.

DOI: 10.4236/ojtr.2015.32008                

Abstract

Context: Patellofemoral Pain (PFPS) accounts for up to 25% of knee injuries in sports medicine clinics, with up to 91% of symptoms unresolved after conservative treatment at 5 years. The variability of response to treatment reflects its multi-factorial biomechanical etiologies. Bracing has been utilized to modify patellofemoral kinematics, generally by increasing patellofemoral contact area. The DJO Reaction orthosis is unique in its shock-absorbing elastomeric design, which is created to dissipate peak stress and enhance patellar tracking. Objective: To assess whether the DJO Reaction Brace reduces pain and improves functional outcomes in patients with chronic PFPS. Design: Cohort Series. Setting: Academic Sports Medicine Clinic. Patients: Twenty-two individuals between 18 and 40 years old with chronic patellofemoral pain have failed conservative treatment. Intervention: DJO Reaction Brace. Main Outcome Measures: Kujala Anterior Knee Pain Scale, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score. Results: Seven males and 10 females with an age range of 19 - 39 years old complete the study. At an average follow-up time of 55 days, the Kujala score significantly improves by 9.8%, and KOOS Scores increase by the following statistically significant amounts: symptom 3.2%, pain 10.7%, sports and recreation 12.9%, quality of life 20.2%. Conclusion: The DJO Reaction orthosis reduces knee pain, increases function, and enhances quality of life with individuals with PFPS and is effective in the conservative care of patellofemoral pain syndrome.

Keywords

Knee Orthosis, Knee Injuries, Treatment, Patellofemoral Kinematics

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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