Knee Osteoarthritis – Medial Or Lateral Compartment?

How Do I Know Which Compartment to Unload When Choosing An Osteoarthritis Knee Brace?  When you have osteoarthritis of the knee, a majority of the time it only effects one part of the knee joint, either the medial compartment or the lateral compartment, and rarely both compartments.  Unloader knee braces take the pressure off the part of the knee joint that has the most arthritis to it.

So, when unloading an osteoarthritic knee, you need to know which compartment to unload, medial or lateral.  It’s essential to determine which compartment of your knee needs the most relief.   Typically, the medial (inner) compartment and the lateral (outer) compartment are the two primary areas of concern in knee osteoarthritis (OA).

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) can affect both the medial (inner) and lateral (outer) compartments of the knee joint, but the medial compartment is generally more commonly affected (60% of the time).  Here’s some information about the distribution of osteoarthritis in the knee compartments:

1. Medial Compartment:  The medial compartment of the knee is the inner side of the joint, closest to the opposite knee.  It bears more weight during activities such as walking and running. Medial compartment osteoarthritis is the most prevalent form of knee osteoarthritis.  It occurs when the cartilage on the medial side of the knee gradually wears down, leading to joint pain, stiffness, and decreased range of motion.
2. Lateral Compartment:  The lateral compartment of the knee is the outer side of the joint.  It carries a smaller portion of the load compared to the medial compartment. Lateral compartment osteoarthritis is less common but can still occur.  It involves degeneration of the cartilage on the outer side of the knee joint, resulting in symptoms similar to medial compartment osteoarthritis.

How Do I Know Which Compartment to Unload to Help My Knee?

Here are a few steps to help you identify the correct compartment for unloading with your custom knee brace:

1. Consult with a Healthcare Professional:  It’s highly recommended to seek advice from a healthcare professional such as an orthopedic specialist, physiotherapist, or an experienced prosthetist/orthotist.  They will evaluate your knee condition, conduct a physical examination, and provide valuable insights into the specific compartment affected by OA.
2. Diagnostic Imaging:  Your healthcare provider may order diagnostic imaging tests such as X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or ultrasound to get a better understanding of the severity and location of the osteoarthritis. These images can reveal the extent of cartilage damage and identify the compartment that requires unloading.
3. Pain and Symptom Assessment:  Take note of your knee pain and any associated symptoms. Osteoarthritis pain tends to be localized and may present differently based on the compartment affected.  For example, pain on the inner side of the knee during weight-bearing activities may indicate medial compartment involvement.
4. Brace design and fitting:  Your osteoarthritis knee brace should be designed to unload the specific compartment affected by OA.  Working closely with a qualified brace specialist, they will take into account the information from your healthcare professional and design the brace to provide appropriate support and unloading to the identified compartment.

Remember, it’s crucial to involve healthcare professionals in the process to ensure accurate identification of the affected compartment and proper fitting of your osteoarthritis knee brace.

Types of Unloader Knee Braces for Osteoarthritis

We sell several Osteoarthritis unloader knee braces at the Physio Store.   There are several types of  unloader knee braces on the market today!   Some are over the counter (OTC)  and others are customized unloader knee braces.   The primary differences between an over-the-counter (OTC) unloader brace and a customized unloader knee brace lie in their design, fit, and level of support.

Here’s a breakdown of the differences:

Design

1. Over-the-Counter (OTC) Unloader Brace: OTC unloader braces are pre-fabricated and come in standard sizes. They are designed to provide a general level of support and unloading for the knee joint.
2. Customized Unloader Knee Brace: Customized unloader knee braces are specifically designed and fitted to an individual’s unique knee anatomy and condition. They are created based on measurements, molds, and specifications taken from the patient’s knee, providing a highly personalized fit and unloading mechanism.

Fit

1. OTC Unloader Brace: OTC braces come in predetermined sizes and may have adjustable straps or closures to accommodate some level of customization. However, they cannot match the precise fit of a customized brace.
2. Customized Unloader Knee Brace: Customized braces are individually crafted based on detailed measurements and molds taken from the patient’s knee. They offer a tailored fit that closely matches the contours of the knee, ensuring optimal comfort, stability, and unloading for the affected compartment.

Level of Support:

1. OTC Unloader Brace:  OTC braces generally provide a basic level of support and unloading.  They help alleviate some symptoms and provide mild relief.  But they may not offer the same level of targeted unloading as a customized brace.
2. Customized Unloader Knee Brace:  Customized braces are specifically designed to address the unique needs of the individual’s knee condition.  They can apply more precise unloading forces to the affected compartment.  They provide a higher level of support, pain relief, and joint stability.

Clinical Guidance

1. OTC Unloader Brace:  OTC braces are readily available for purchase without a prescription. They can be used without direct involvement from a healthcare professional.  Although it is advisable to consult with a professional to ensure proper fit and suitability for your condition.
2. Customized Unloader Knee Brace:  Customized braces require a prescription and involve a healthcare professional.  They are tailored to the individual’s specific knee condition, and the fitting and adjustments are done under professional guidance.

Summary

Over the counter unloader knee braces offer a more accessible and affordable option for mild support and unloading. A few examples include:

DonJoy OA Reaction Web Unloader Knee Brace

Ossur Formfit OA Ease Knee Brace

DonJoy OA Fullforce Unloader Knee Brace

DonJoy OA Nano Unloader Knee Brace

Customized unloader knee braces provide a higher level of personalization, fit, and targeted unloading.  These custom braces are best suited for individuals with specific knee conditions that require a more precise and individualized approach to unloading and support.  A few examples include:

DonJoy OA Defiance Unloader Knee Brace

Consulting with a healthcare professional can help determine the most appropriate brace for your needs.