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ACL, PCL and Osteoarthritis Unloader Braces
You cannot compare being fitted for custom made ACL or PCL derotation or Osteoarthritis unloader braces in a facility that diagnoses and manages these conditions compared to facilities that are equipped to just perform brace fitting. Custom made braces for ACL and PCL ligament tears as well as osteoarthritis of the knee have made a significant contribution to the treatment of ligament tears and arthritis of the knee are easily arranged at our centre.
Anterior and posterior cruciate ligament tears: (ACL and PCL tears)
Anterior or posterior cruciate ligament tears can hamper an athlete's ability to pivot through the knee
without causing further knee damage and therefore hamper their ability to return to sports.
A derotation brace along with a comprehensive program of therapy and at times surgery are the standard
of treatment for these ligament tears.
Custom made braces for knees with ACL or PCL tears can be arranged within a few days at our centre.
They are available from various manufacturers such as Ossur and Donjoy and come in a multitude of colours and additional options.
Osteoarthritis unloading braces for the knee.
Osteoarthrits is present in at least 50% of people above 50 years of age. It is more prevalent in patients who were previously highly active in sports and who have suffered significant injuries to their knees including previous ACL, PCL injuries, meniscal injuries and cartilage contusions. These braces are not just for athletes but for anyone with arthritis of the knee who wants to maintain or improve the function of their knee. Along with proper rehabilitation, cartilage supplements, anti-inflammatory medication and viscosupplementation, medial or lateral compartment osteoarthritis of the knee may respond very well to a custom made osteoarthritis unloading brace. Such braces may allow an athlete to maintain their level of function without pain. Osteoarthritis unloading braces are also helpful in those individuals who want to preserve their joint function and delay the need for knee joint replacement.
Custom made osteoarthritis braces come in various models including a new very light weight model from OSSUR, the Unloader One. These braces can function as ACL or PCL derotation braces as well - a combination which is not that uncommon. Osteoarthritis braces make a significant impact on the functional ability of patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. Keeping active despite arthritis of the knee with an osteoarthritis unloading brace not only keeps the knee healthy but maintains general and cardiovascular health and functional ability.
The cost for ACL, PCL and osteoarthritis derotation braces is usually covered by extended health benefits. The turn around time for these braces is quite fast - about one week. If you have a prescription and clear cut diagnosis from your medical practitioner you only need to come in for a fitting session. If you are unsure if you would benefit from one of these braces or need a detailed prescription for your extended health plan we would be happy to provide a detailed medical assessment of your condition and a letter outlining the medical necessity of the appropriate brace. Fitting for such braces is done on site and can be done on the same day of your initial assessment if you so desire. For those without a previous clear cut diagnosis and x-rays, investigations may have to be ordered first in order to determine the optimal custom brace prescription. Off the Shelf ACL Derotation and Osteoarthritis Unloading Braces Off the shelf braces for knee ligament tears and osteoarthritis are also available at a significantly reduced cost for those patients who are not covered for custom made bracing. |
