Combined effects of a valgus knee brace and lateral wedge foot orthotic on the external knee adduction moment in patients with varus gonarthrosis.

16 patients with osteoarthritis of the medial tibiofemoral compartment and valgus knee alignment were included in this crossover randomized trial to assess the effect of custom-fit valgus knee braces and custom-made lateral wedge foot orthotics when used concurrently and individually on external knee adduction moment during gait. Patients were randomized to undergo gait testing using a motion capture system under 4 conditions: a combination of both knee brace and orthotic, knee brace only, orthotic only, and control (no intervention). The results of the trial indicated that the use of both interventions concurrently had the greatest effect in reducing the knee adduction moment compared to the control. There was no significant difference in pain between the 4 conditions during the gait testing.