Definition
The knee orthosis as a custom-fit support is used in a variety of areas. It envelops the joint from the outside and serves to protect, relieve and stabilize the knee joint. It also fulfills a resting and controlling function.
Within the scope of a sports or leisure injury, meniscus damage, torn ligaments and cruciate ligament ruptures are frequent injury patterns. After an operation or conservative therapy, gentle mobilization is particularly important. A knee orthosis actively supports the rehabilitation process and effectively prevents damaging movements.
With increasing age, signs of wear and tear occur. Since the degenerative processes cannot be reversed, the treatment focus is on preventing further progress. The use of a knee orthosis for osteoarthritis (e.g. retropatellar arthrosis) has an analgesic and stabilizing effect.
In addition, it enables the patient to perform various physical activities. Certain sports, especially high-performance sports, are associated with a high risk of injury and considerable stress on the knee joint. Besides motocross, mountain biking and skiing also belong to the category of sports with a high risk potential.
A knee orthosis not only allows you to practice the sport but also effectively prevents injuries. A knee orthosis serves to ensure the success of therapy after surgery or conservative therapy. The surgical reconstruction of cruciate ligaments and fixation of the menisci requires a gradual reloading in the postoperative therapy.
Gentle mobilization should also be used in the therapy of collateral ligament injuries and patella luxations. Minimally invasive operations represent a gentle surgical procedure. Patients generally feel less pain than after major open surgery.
Swelling is also less pronounced. This can have the effect of a hasty mobilization. In this case, a knee orthosis is an important aid for therapy control.
It also promotes the ability to perceive the exact position and movement of individual limbs. Knee orthoses can also be used for one-sided relief after operations to build up cartilage. Joint wear and tear in the context of arthrosis lead to severe pain and restricted movement.
When more and more cartilage disappears, the pressure on the tibia increases. This causes increasing pain and stiffness of movement. Since it is impossible to restore the original conditions, the focus of therapy is on relieving the joint and relieving pain.
A similar therapeutic principle applies to bone marrow lesions and degenerative meniscus tears. In such cases, the knee orthosis fulfils several functions. It enables a higher degree of activity by relieving the strain, reduces the need for pain medication and can delay and perhaps even prevent the installation of an endoprosthesis.
Many sports are associated with a high risk of injury to the knee joint. These include in particular skiing, ball sports such as soccer, basketball and handball. Common clinical pictures are injuries of the anterior and posterior cruciate ligament, the collateral ligaments and tendons of attaching muscles.
Fast, abrupt changes of movement, constant starting and braking, and strong twisting and levering movements during skiing are responsible for the extreme stress on the knee joint. Motor sports such as motocross, enduro or rallying subject the knee joint to strong, sustained stress. In this area, the knee orthosis plays a preventive role, preventing one-sided loading and serious injuries.
