Randomized prospective study on the treatment of femoro-patellar osteoarthritis using bracing

Abstract

Objective: To compare the effect of a brace designed to stabilize the patellofemoral joint to that of a patella-shaped neoprene sleeve with patella cut out in patients with patellofemoral osteoarthritis. Methods: Fifty-seven patients with femoro-patellar osteoarthritis were allocated to two groups: patients with femoro-patellar functional brace and those with a neoprene knee with a patellar orifice. Both groups underwent clinical treatment of osteoarthritis and used medications daily 1 month before and up to 3 months after brace placement. They were evaluated with the WOMAC and Lequesne questionnaires and performed five times sit to stand test, Timed Up and Go test, and six minutes walk test immediately before and 1 and 3 months after brace placement. Results: Both groups had improved pain, stiffness, and function with no difference between groups. Drug use decreased in both groups in the first month but increased in the third month. Naproxen use was progressively higher in the control group. Conclusion: Both knee orthoses improved pain and function and altered drug use only in the first month. Functional knee brace provided analgesia without increased use of naproxen. Level of Evidence IB, Randomized clinical trial.