PEG Soft Knee Braces SPEG0003V1

Product Evaluation
Soft Knee Braces
Document Code
Date
Product Evaluation Group
Adam Horrocks
Andrew Nicol
Ryan Cassidy
Rachel Taylor
Richard Thomas
Zoe Wright
Cameron Hall
SPEG0003V1
23rd December 2015
Orthotist
Clinical Director
Orthotist
Orthotist
Head of Business Development
Orthotist
Orthotist
PEG Recommendations
Mild Knee
Support
Firmer Feel
Redundant
Tissue
Increased
lever arm
Black
Steeper SK
Ossur
Thermo
Wrap
Steeper
Long SK
Ossur Bio
Skin
www.steepergroup.com
Product Group
Soft Knee Braces
Products Evaluated
SK Style Braces
• Standard Knee Brace (Steeper)
• Bio Skin Hinged Knee Skin (Ossur)
• Stabimed Wraparound Functional Soft Brace (Medi)
• ThermoWrap knee Brace (Ossur)
• Bea wrap knee brace (Beagle)
• Townsend Sports Series Knee Brace (Beagle)
Long SK Style Braces
• Drytex Playmaker Wraparound (Donjoy)
• Long SK (Steeper)
Sleeve Style Knee braces
• Stabilised knee skin (Steeper)
• Bio Skin standard knee skin (Ossur)
• Beagle Stability knee brace (Beagle)
• Genu Hit GS (Beagle)
Aim
The aim of this document is to inform & educate the reader about a range
of knee braces to assist the reader in comparing them. As a group, we
have met and evaluated these braces and hope to give the reader a
greater knowledge of their properties.
Criteria
The criteria for evaluation soft knee braces and these were selected by
looking at the ordering history and selecting the most popular braces.
Functional ligament braces and OA knee braces were excluded from the
evaluation however will be evaluated at a later date.
Method
Additional Information
Direct Evaluation
We tried the braces on ourselves and on each other whilst considering the
supplied instructions.
Expert Opinion
We identified the most frequent user of each type of brace and conducted
telephone interviews to find out their opinion, likes and dislikes. The 5
most frequent users of these braces were highlighted with the aim of
gathering 3 or more opinions on the brace.
Survey Monkey
A survey was conducted to gain the opinion of all orthotists in the company
from the point of view of the patient and of the orthotist.
Clinical Evidence
A search was performed for any clinical evidence specific to the brace
being evaluated.
Objective Information
Objective information such as cost and delivery times was gathered.
Braces have been grouped into four sections to allow for ease of
comparison. These are: Swedish type, leaf spring, sock type and other
braces. The division is listed above in Products Evaluated.
2
Product Evaluation Contents
Product
Standard Knee Brace (Steeper)
Page
4
Bio Skin Hinged Knee Skin (Ossur)
6
Stabimed Wraparound Functional Soft Brace (Medi)
8
ThermoWrap Knee Brace (Ossur)
10
Bea Wrap Knee Brace (Beagle)
12
Townsend Sports Series Knee Brace (Beagle)
14
Drytex Playmaker Wraparound (Donjoy)
16
Long SK (Steeper)
18
Stabilised Knee Skin (Steeper)
20
Bio Skin Standard Knee Skin (Ossur)
22
Beagle Stability Knee Brace (Beagle)
24
Genu Hit GS (Beagle)
26
Conclusion
28
3
Standard Knee Brace
Supplier
Model No.
Application
Expert
opinion
Steeper
RSL-SKB/CX/BE/x
P
Medio lateral
stability and patella
control osteoarthritis,
Rheumatoid arthritis.
“Generally good
compliance with this
brace, an excellent
entry level brace”
“Firm material and
hem leads to a little
firmer fit than the
neoprene
alternative”
Evaluation
Features
Cost
Evidence
PEG
Observations
• Universal application
• Wrap around
There was no clinical evidence found specifically for this brace.
A neat fitting, comfortable short soft knee brace that generally gives low level
support. Material is slightly firmer than the neoprene alternative; this material also
leads to a better appearance.
Advice on
use
Advantages
• Has posterior straps for a better fit
• Neat knee joints
• Gives compression
• Can bend steels to profile
• Contours well
• Top posterior strap is elastic for comfort
• Open behind the knee
Disadvantages
• Only comes in beige
• Unable to limit flexion/extension
4
Steeper SK Brace – Patient Perspective
Patient Perspective of SK brace
4
3
2
1
0
Appearance of brace Functionality of brace
Fit of brace
Average
Ease of Don/doff
Quality of instructions
Brace
This is a good entry-level SK brace which has good appearance and an above average level of support for
this style of brace. This is possibly due to its firmer material and well-finished seams. The fit of the brace
also scored above average with excellent scores for ease of don and doffing.
Steeper SK Brace – Orthotist Perspective
Orthotist Perspective of SK Brace
4
3.5
3
2.5
2
1.5
1
0.5
0
Ease of adjument
Quality of instructions
Average
Ease of fitting
Range of size
Brace
From the Orthotist perspective the brace scores well in comparison to other similar braces to adjust and
proves an easy brace to fit in comparison to the average. It has an average range of sizes to cater for the
majority of patients however the range lacks an XXL size.
5
BioSkin Hinged Knee Skin
Supplier
Model No.
Ossur
RSL-4130x Ultima
RSL-5130x Ultima 2S
RSL-5133x Ultima 2SOL
(x denotes size)
Application
Mild sprains, inflammation,
MCL & LCL sprains,
meniscal tears, early
osteoarthritis, patella
tendonitis.
“Thinner material than the
thermo-wrap and a good
close contour to patient's
leg”
“Lightweight and popular
with younger patients due to
colour and neat fit under
trousers. The sizing chart
seems a little out however
and I tend to go up a size
when ordering”
Expert opinion
Evaluation
Features
Cost
Evidence
PEG
Observations
• Universal application
• Wrap around or pull on
• Provides compression and warmth
• Donut buttress for extra patella support on pull on version
£32.89
There was no clinical evidence found specifically for this brace.
This is a neat fitting, comfortable brace that gives good compression. This brace is
ideal for a more active person who desires a cosmetic looking, low profile brace.
The brace only comes in black which seems to appeal to the younger patient and
fit isn’t ideal if there is a lot of soft tissue to control. When ordering it is advised to
go up one size as the measurement chart is slightly out.
Advice on
use
Advantages
• Has posterior straps for a better fit
• Pull on version difficult to don, but does have
finger loops at the top to assist
• Gives very good compression
• Can bend steels to profile
• Steels are curved for extra stiffness
• Front opening – straps are elastic for comfort,
top and bottom, front and back.
Disadvantages
• Joints are not removable
• Only comes in black
• Unable to limit flexion/extension
6
BioSkin Hinged Knee Skin – Patient Perspective
Patient Perspective of Ossur Bioskin Hinged Knee
Skin
6
4
2
0
Appearance of brace Functionality of brace
Fit of brace
Average
Ease of Don/doff
Quality of instructions
Brace
This brace scores very well in the appearance area and is well above average. It fits well due to a thin
flexible material contouring well to the shape of the leg and knee. The functionality of the brace is average.
BioSkin Hinged Knee Skin – Orthotist Perspective
Orthotist Perspective of Ossur Bioskin Hinged Knee Skin
3.8
3.6
3.4
3.2
3
2.8
Ease of adjument
Quality of instructions
Average
Ease of fitting
Range of size
Brace
These results are slightly contradictory to the expert opinions where this brace scored very well. The range
of sizes scored particularly low and this may be due to the sizing chart being slightly out leading to braces
coming up a little short.
7
Stabimed Wraparound Functional Soft Brace
(Original)
Supplier
Model No.
Application
Medi
Expert
opinion
“Hinges are quite bulky and so
not suitable for some bi-lateral
users”
826/x
Mild to moderate instabilities of
the knee joint, Meniscus injuries,
traumatic or degenerative
deformities of the knee joint for
protection in the later stages of
rehabilitation.
“Looks sporty because of colour
and material is breathable, the
straps can get confusing for
patients however as they are not
fixed to side struts”
Evaluation
Features
Cost
Evidence
PEG
Observations
• Polycentric hinges
• Wrap around
• Breathable and moisture wicking material
• Flexion and extension stops
There was no clinical evidence found specifically for this brace.
This brace gave only minimal support despite its bulky appearance. Although the
knee joints look supportive the brace does not contour to the leg well. The
material, although a little firmer than the neoprene alternative strength wise also
does not contour to the leg very well and if wearing a pair, the knee joints will more
than likely catch on each other. This brace is one to avoid however it is worth
mentioning that a new version of this brace is on the market and many, if not all, of
the shortfalls of this brace have been addressed according to the manufactures.
This brace will be evaluated in due course.
Advice on
use
Advantages
• Numbered straps
• Media and lateral anti-migration silicone strips
• Extension/flexion stops included
• True to size
• Good instructions and tools supplied for fitting
the stops
Disadvantages
• Bulky knee joints
• Only in black
• Gives minimal support
8
Stabimed– Patient Perspective
Stabimed Patient Perspective
4
3
2
1
0
Appearance of brace
Functionality of brace
Fit of brace
Average
Ease of Don/doff
Quality of instructions
Stabimed
Surprisingly this brace scored well on appearance however the functionality of the brace is highlighted, as
below average as is the fit. It scored well in relation to the ease of fit, which does seem slightly
contradictory to the expert opinion, which pointed out the poor strapping configuration.
Stabimed – Orthotist Perspective
Stabimed Orthotist Perspective
3.8
3.6
3.4
3.2
3
2.8
Ease of adjument
Quality of instructions
Ease of fitting
Orthotist Perspective Average
Range of size
Orthotist Perspective Stabimed
Orthotist’s seem to find this brace an easy brace to fit possibly due to its wrap around nature. The brace is
supplied with good instructions and the range of sizes covered in this range is also above average.
9
ThermoWrap Knee Brace
Supplier
Model No.
Application
Expert
opinion
Ossur
RSL-029x
Mild sprains,
inflammation,
meniscal tears, early
osteoarthritis, patella
tendonitis.
“Good thermal
properties, some
patients like the
warmth they give”
“Easy to fit and
adjust, the stitching
can come undone
for more active
users”
“Steels can come
out for adjustment”
Evaluation
Features
Cost
Evidence
PEG
Observations
• Universal application
• Wrap around
• Provides compression and warmth
• Hyper extension version available
There was no clinical evidence found specifically for this brace.
A comfortable short soft knee brace that generally gives minimal support.
Generally suited to the less mobile patient and accommodates soft tissues well due
to flexibility of the material.
Advice on
use
Advantages
• Has posterior straps for a better fit
• Neat knee joints
• Gives compression
• Can bend steels to profile
• Scooped shape top and bottom for better fit
• Tabs on the end of the straps to make it easier
to fasten/unfasten
• Closed behind the knee but with ventilation
Disadvantages
• Knee quite open at the front
• Only comes in beige
• Unable to limit flexion/extension
10
ThermoWrap – Patient Perspective
Patient Perspective of Ossur Thermowrap
4
3
2
1
0
Appearance of brace
Functionality of brace
Fit of brace
Average
Ease of Don/doff
Quality of instructions
Brace
This brace proves an easy knee brace to don and doff and patients felt the brace was above average in
appearance. The functionality of the brace correlates to the observations made by the PEG group with the
instructions slightly above par with the average score for the selected braces.
ThermoWrap – Orthotist Perspective
Orthotist Perspective of Ossur Thermowrap
3.8
3.6
3.4
3.2
3
2.8
2.6
Ease of adjument
Quality of instructions
Ease of fitting
Average
Range of size
Brace
A very popular brace with orthotist’s that has scored exceptionally well in all areas. This is an excellent go
to brace that fits a full range of sizes and is easy to fit and adjust too. An excellent entry level stock item
that is popular with patients and orthotist alike.
11
Bea Wrap Knee Brace
Supplier
Model No.
Application
Expert
opinion
Beagle
RSL-BWST/0x
Rheumatoid
Arthritis, Mild to
moderate
hyperextension, mild
to moderate valgus/
varus knee
deformity.
“Comparable to the
Ossur Thermo wrap”
“Good posterior
opening”
“Beagle will make a
one off size for large
or small patient”
Evaluation
Features
Cost
Evidence
PEG
Observations
• Universal application
• Wrap around
• Provides compression and warmth
There was no clinical evidence found specifically for this brace.
A neat fitting, comfortable short soft knee brace that generally gives entry low level
support. A good option if a large posterior opening is desired by the patient and
the flexibility of the material contours well similarly to the Ossur equivalent.
Advice on
use
Advantages
• Thicker material
• Neat knee joints
• Gives compression
• Can bend steels to profile
• Tabs on the end of the straps to make it easier
to fasten/unfasten
• Open behind the knee
• Scooped shape top and bottom for better fit
Disadvantages
• Knee quite open at the front
• Only comes in beige
• Unable to limit flexion/extension
•
12
Bea Wrap Knee Brace – Patient Perspective
Or
Patient Perspective of BeaWrap Knee Brace
4
3
2
1
0
Appearance of brace Functionality of brace
Fit of brace
Average
Ease of Don/doff
Quality of instructions
Brace
All in all the brace scores slightly below par aside from the ease of don and doff, this is more than likely to
the front opening nature of the brace. A very similar brace to the Ossur equivalent on the whole.
Bea Wrap Knee Brace – Orthotist Perspective
Orthotist Perspective of BeaWrap Knee Brace
4
3.5
3
2.5
2
1.5
1
0.5
0
Ease of adjument
Quality of instructions
Average
Ease of fitting
Range of size
Brace
The orthotist findings correlate well to the patient perspective with the ease of fitting again scoring well.
Again this is probably due to the front opening closure.
13
Townsend Sports Series
Brace
Supplier
Model No.
Beagle
Application
MCL or mild
ligament injuries,
patient who requires
semi rigid support
for knee sprains.
“Nice looking but
disappointed with
the hinge”
“Looks quite sporty
but a little on the
heavy side and the
hinges are bulky in
comparison to other
brands equivalent”
Expert
opinion
Evaluation
Features
Cost
Evidence
PEG
Observations
SB12/60x – 12”
SB16/60x – 16”
• Universal application
• Wrap around
• Provides compression and warmth
• Extension and flexion stops
There was no clinical evidence found specifically for this brace.
This is a very impressive looking knee brace but functionally works no better than
the basic knee braces. It feels on the heavy side in comparison to most others.
Advice on
use
Advantages
• 2 straps on the 12” and 4 on the 16”
• Wrap around design
• XXXL and XXXXL available by special order
• Comes in 2 lengths
• Replacement sleeves available
• Pull on version available with patella buttress
• Open behind the knee
• Condylar pads sewn in
Disadvantages
• Standard hinge in 12” version and TM5+
hinge in the 16” version
• Bulky joints
• Minimal support
14
Townsend Sports Series – Patient Perspective
Patient Perspective of Townsend Sports Series
Or
4
3
2
1
0
Appearance of brace Functionality of brace
Fit of brace
Average
Ease of Don/doff
Quality of instructions
Brace
Appearance of the brace has scored well and this continues the theme from the expert user interviews that
patients like black braces and generally associate them with sport. Over all the brace does not score well
in fit or function which again supports the expert user comments on weight.
Townsend Sports Series – Orthotist Perspective
Orthotist Perspective of Townsend Sports Series
3.8
3.6
3.4
3.2
3
2.8
Ease of adjument
Quality of instructions
Average
Ease of fitting
Range of size
Brace
Not a popular brace with orthotists, other than providing some good instructions has scored poorly in all
areas.
The orthotist findings correlate well to the patient perspective with the ease of fitting again scoring well.
Again this is probably due to the front opening closure.
15
Drytex Playmaker
Supplier
Model No.
Donjoy
Application
Varius/valgus knee
support
“Nice looking brace,
seem to need
replacing frequently
but this could be
because it’s used on
a more active
patient.’
Expert
opinion
11-0759/xx - wrap
11-0558/xx – pull on
“Ideal for a straighter
leg as there isn’t
much contour in the
fabric”
“Looks good and
has a wide size
range”
Evaluation
Features
Cost
Evidence
PEG
Observations
• Universal application
• Pull on or wrap around
• Provides compression and warmth
• Extension and flexion stops
There was no clinical evidence found specifically for this brace.
This is an impressive looking knee brace and is functionally very similar to other
brands of long SK bracing. Very straight cut to the fabric so if you have a patient
with excessive soft tissue, excessive valgas/ varum deformities then consider a
different brace.
Advice on
use
Advantages
• 4 straps
• Extenal hinges with flexion/extension stops
• Looks impressive
• Long brace
• Good instructions
Disadvantages
• Only comes in black
• On the wrap around version the knee is very
open at the front
• Gives minimal support
• No tools supplied for adding the
extension/flexion straps
16
Drytex Playmaker – Patient Perspective
Patient Perspective of Drytex Playmaker
Or
4
3
2
1
0
Appearance of
brace
Functionality of
brace
Fit of brace
Average
Ease of Don/doff
Quality of
instructions
Brace
Contrary to expert opinion the playmaker hasn’t scored particularly well in appearance however the function
of the brace has. The brace seems to fit well according to the survey results which does not seem to
support the comments on the brace being quite a straighter fit. The only thing I can put this down to is that
the people who use this brace pick their patients wo fit the brace well.
Drytext Playmaker – Orthotist Perspective
Orthotist Perspective of Drytex Playmaker
4
3
2
1
0
Ease of adjument
Quality of instructions
Average
Ease of fitting
Range of size
Brace
Popular with orthotist for the range of sizes available, the quality of instructions seem to score well too
however doesn’t seem an easy brace to adjust.
17
Long Knee Brace
Supplier
Model No.
Application
Expert
opinion
Steeper
RSL-LKB/CX/BE/x
P
Medio lateral
stability and patella
control osteoarthritis,
Rheumatoid arthritis.
“A great stock brace
with steels that are
easy to shape”
“Comparable to
other stock long SK
braces and a
reasonable price
too”
Evaluation
Features
Cost
Evidence
PEG
Observations
• Longer version of the Standard Knee Brace (40cm)
• Universal application
• Wrap around
There was no clinical evidence found specifically for this brace.
A neat fitting, comfortable soft knee brace that generally gives entry level support.
Steels are easy to contour to the leg and the knee joints are neat too.
Advice on
use
Advantages
• Has posterior straps for a better fit
• Neat knee joints
• Gives compression
• Can bend steels to profile
• Contours well
• Open behind the knee
• Gives more control than the standard brace
Disadvantages
• Only comes in beige
• Unable to limit flexion/extension
• Only the XL has 4 straps, small sizes may
benefit from this too
18
Steeper Long Knee Brace – Patient Perspective
Patient Perspective of Long Brace
4
3
2
1
0
Appearance of brace Functionality of brace
Fit of brace
Average
Ease of Don/doff
Quality of instructions
RSL Long
Fit and function of the brace are fairly average in comparison to the average. The appearance of the brace
is a little below par but this could be due to it only being available in beige.
Steeper Long Knee Brace – Orthotist Perspective
Orthotist Perspective of Long Knee Brace
4
3
2
1
0
Ease of adjument
Quality of instructions
Ease of fitting
Average
Range of size
RSL Long
The brace is easy to fit and adjust however the size range could be improved along with the instructions.
19
Stabilised Knee Skin
Supplier
Model No.
Application
Expert
opinion
Steeper
RSL-SKS/CX/BE/x
P
Medio lateral
stability and patella
control knee
instability, post op
rehabilitation, strains
/ sprains, bursitis,
tendonitis
osteoarthritis,
rheumatoid arthritis.
“Good brace,
patients happy with
it as it fit’s nice and
neat.”
“Happy to use these,
they are comparable
to other similar
braces and patients
seem happy with
them.”
Evaluation
Features
Cost
Evidence
PEG
Observations
• Universal application
• Pull on
• Provides compression and warmth
• Doughnut support around the patella
There was no clinical evidence found specifically for this brace.
A neat fitting, comfortable short soft knee brace that generally gives minimal
support. It gives only low level control to the patella so only useful in mild
conditions. Seems overall a slightly better fit than the Beagle version.
Advice on
use
Advantages
• 2 metal stays at each side
• Buttress around the patella, doughnut shaped
• Compression and warmth
• Airprene material
Disadvantages
• Only comes in beige
• Does not give the patella much support
• One piece straps
20
Stabilised Knee Skin – Patient Perspective
Patient Perspective of Stabilised Knee Sleve
4.5
4
3.5
3
2.5
2
1.5
1
0.5
0
Appearance of brace Functionality of brace
Fit of brace
Average
Ease of Don/doff
Quality of instructions
Brace
A popular brace with patients scoring well in all areas aside from ease of don/doff. This may be due to the
patient group that use them being slightly less dextrous in their upper limbs.
Stabilised Knee Skin – Orthotist Perspective
Orthotist Perspective of Stabilised Knee Sleve
4
3.5
3
2.5
2
1.5
1
0.5
0
Ease of adjument
Quality of instructions
Ease of fitting
Average
Range of size
Brace
Again the orthotist perspective supports the patients. Results suggest that the brace is a good fitting brace
with a good range of sizes.
21
Bio Skin Standard
Knee Skin
Supplier
Model No.
Ossur
Application
Mild sprains, inflammation,
meniscal tears.
“Thinner material than thermowrap meaning a close fit and
contour to patient’s leg”
Expert
opinion
P
RSL-4111x – with straps
RSL-4110x – without straps
RSL-5110x – 25 without
straps
“Closer intermit fit than the
neoprene alternative so great
low profile option but sizing
does tend to be out a little and
I usually go up a size”
Evaluation
Features
Cost
Evidence
PEG
Observations
• Universal application
• Pull on
• Provides compression and warmth
• 2 types of material
There was no clinical evidence found specifically for this brace.
This is a very neat fitting, comfortable short soft knee that gives good compression
although can be quite difficult to get on. Is should be fairly tight when worn however
continuing the Bioskin theme it is recommended that you go up one size from the
sizing chart..
Advice on
use
Advantages
• Strap version has posterior straps for a better
fit/compression
• All straps are elastic
• Gives very good compression
• Spiral stays rather than joints so slimmer
Disadvantages
• Only comes in black
22
BioSkin Standard Knee Skin – Patient Perspective
Patient Perspective of Ossur Bioskin SK Skin
5
4
3
2
1
0
Appearance of brace
Functionality of brace
Fit of brace
Average
Ease of Don/doff
Quality of instructions
Brace
Fit of this brace has been reported poor in the survey findings and I’m sure this is down to the inaccuracy of the sizing
chart. The appearance of the brace fits in well with the notion that black braces are sporty looking and appealing to
many. Not the easiest brace to don and doff however this a brace that is meant to be worn tightly to aid compression,
the downside to this is that it takes a bit of a pull to get on.
BioSkin Standard Knee Skin – Orthotist Perspective
Orthotist Perspective of Ossur Bioskin SK Skin
4
3.5
3
2.5
2
1.5
1
0.5
0
Ease of adjument
Quality of instructions
Average
Ease of fitting
Brace
Range of size
The orthotist perspective very much reflects the findings of the patient in that it isn’t particularly easy to fit or
adjust. The sizing issue for mentioned has been reflected in the survey also.
23
Stability Knee Brace
Supplier
Model No.
Beagle
Application
Patella disorders
Expert
opinion
“Can take steels
out if required to
shape but pretty
similar to other
brands available’.
Evaluation
Features
Cost
Evidence
PEG
Observations
RSL-SK/02x doughnut
RSL-SK/02x horseshoe
P
• Universal application
• Pull on
• Provides compression and warmth
• Doughnut or horseshoe option
There was no clinical evidence found specifically for this brace.
A neat fitting, comfortable short soft knee brace that generally gives entry level
support. It again gives low level control to the patella however does come with two
options for the knee buttress to gain the desired control and comfort.
Advice on
use
Advantages
• 2 metal stays at each side
• Buttress around the patella, doughnut shaped or
horseshoe
• Compression and warmth
Disadvantages
• Only comes in beige
• Does not give the patella much support
• One piece straps
24
Stability Knee Brace – Patient Perspective
Patient Perspective of Beagle Stability Knee Brace
5
4
3
2
1
0
Appearance of brace Functionality of brace
Fit of brace
Average
Ease of Don/doff
Quality of instructions
Brace
Not an easy brace to don possible due to the pull on nature of this type of brace, scored poorly in all areas
aside from the aesthetics.
Stability Knee Brace – Orthotist Perspective
Orthotist Perspective of Beagle Stability Knee Brace
4
3.5
3
2.5
2
1.5
1
0.5
0
Ease of adjument
Quality of instructions
Ease of fitting
Average
Range of size
Brace
Orthotist have not scored this brace well in area with similar findings to the patients in all areas.
25
Genu Hit GS
Supplier
Model No.
Beagle
Application
Minor ligament
insufficiency,
knee strains or
sprains,
gonarthritis, postoperative and
post traumatic
inflammation of
the knee.
“Good alternative
to neoprene”
Expert
opinion
RSL-07014x
P
“Minimal support
but looks sporty
and is low profile”
Evaluation
Features
•
•
•
Cost
Evidence
PEG
Observations
Lateral joint stays that can be individually shaped
The central element of this innovation is a patented oval insert
made of an anatomically contoured flat knitted fabric, which means there
are no annoying seams in the popliteal region
The fastening tapes go all the way around, which improves function and fit
There was no clinical evidence found specifically for this brace.
Neat fitting brace that requires good dexterity to pull on. Only available in a pull on
sleeve so a good level of flexibility is required by patient to don and doff. Use for
more active patients that require minimal support. Weaved fabric is a good
alternative to neoprene style braces.
Advice on
use
Advantages
• Neat fitting
• Low profile
• Good compression
• A good alternative to neoprene
Disadvantages
• Good dexterity needed to pull on
• Strap round calf gets tangled when not
wearing if not stored correctly.
• Only available in black.
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Genu Hit GS – Patient Perspective
Patient Perspective of Genu Hit Knee Brace
5
4
3
2
1
0
Appearance of brace Functionality of brace
Fit of brace
Average
Ease of Don/doff
Quality of instructions
Brace
Excellent scoring brace across the board. Popular with orthotist and patients alike, fit and function are well
above the average and a good looking brace too.
Genu Hit GS – Orthotist Perspective
Orthotist Perspective of Genu Hit Knee Brace
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
Ease of adjument
Quality of instructions
Ease of fitting
Average
Range of size
Brace
Again top marks across the board scoring well in all areas. Good range of sizes, easy to fit and good
instructions are all plus points for this brace.
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Conclusion
There are many factors to consider when ordering soft knee braces. This evaluation has attempted to
highlight the pros and cons of the most commonly ordered braces by Steeper orthotist. The Survey
Monkeys completed by orthotist across the country are an integral part of the process of evaluation
however are somewhat contradictory on occasion to the expert opinion. This may be due to the expert
user being more familiar with the brace in question so has a much better idea of when and when not to
prescribe the particular brace.
Interesting comments and correlations were made to the colour of braces we have evaluated with the
general feeling that black braces are regarded as sporty and appealing to younger patients generally
scoring better in appearance while the beige alternatives were not viewed in this way.
Material type was a variant that was commented on throughout the evaluation process with the Ossur
Thermowrap and Bleage BeaWrap regarded as fixable and easy to fit. The flip side to this is that the
Steeper SK is a firmer therefore more supportive brace.
The Bioskin braces all seemed to have the common theme that they were poor fitting. I believe this is down
to inaccuracies in the sizing chart as opposed to the actual fit of the brace.
Of the SK style braces the Bioskin is the best black brace fit and function but only if you order the correct
size (remembering to add one size). It is a popular brace that if used with the right patient group has good
compliance and fit. It isn’t particularly good at controlling or accommodating large amounts of soft tissues
for this the Ossur Thermowrap or beagle equivalent would be much better for this with more flexibility and
contouring. The Steeper brace is an excellent brace due to the firmer nature of the material and seems.
From a support perspective the Stabimed looks a step up from the SK however has found to be a brace to
avoid with bulky hinges and poor fitting fabric. As mentioned in the evaluation however the version 2 has
addressed many of the negatives and will be evaluated in due course. The Townsend brace also
unfortunately falls into the same category with heavy steels and hinges.
Of the two long SK braces evaluated the playmaker was regarded as more aesthetically pleasing however
the Steeper brace was easier to adjust and generally contoured better than the playmaker.
The clear favourite with the pull on sleeves was the Beagle Genu hit. This could be due to the nature of the
woven flexible fabric that is used which seems to be a popular alternative to neaoprean. All of the braces
proved difficult to don and doff suggesting that patients with good dexterity need only be considered for this
type of brace.
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