The effectiveness of self-adjustable custom and off-the-shelf bracing in the treatment of varus gonarthrosis

10 patients with medial compartment knee osteoarthritis were randomized to the order in which they were treated and assessed with a custom valgus brace or an off-the-shelf valgus brace. Results regarding pain, stiffness, and function, as well as gait analysis, were obtained after 4-5 weeks of brace wear for each condition. A comparison of results was made between the braces, as well as to baseline results prior to any brace wear. The results demonstrated significant effects of both bracing conditions compared to baseline (no bracing values) with respect to clinical outcome measures of pain and stiffness. A significant effect for function was observed for the custom valgus brace in comparison to the baseline values. The custom valgus brace also demonstrated a significantly lower maximum knee adduction moment during walking and stair climbing compared to the off-the-shelf valgus brace, as well as the baseline, no brace results.