A comparison of the biomechanical effects of valgus knee braces and lateral wedged insoles in patients with knee osteoarthritis

This report has been verified by one or more authors of the original publication.

28 patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) were randomized to the order in which they received either a pair of lateral wedged insoles or an off-the-shelf valgus knee brace for two consecutive weeks in this cross-over randomized trial. A 2 week washout period was used between treatments. The purpose of this study was to determine the biomechanical and clinical effects of these two treatments as assessed using knee kinematics and kinetics parameters, the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC), and a 100mm visual analogue scale (VAS). Findings indicated a significantly reduced early stance external knee adduction moment (EKAM) in the lateral wedged insoles group compared to the valgus knee brace group, but knee varus angle was significantly reduced in the brace group compared to the insole group. Pain and functional outcomes were comparable between groups. Both treatment methods were reported to provide beneficial outcomes, although the insole group reported greater comfort than the brace group.