Cascade Orthotics Ltd.
Knee
Ossur/GII Unloader Instructions
There are many situations where a knee Orthosis may be necessary, but the two most common reasons are ligamentous instability and osteoarthritic degenerative changes.
The purpose of a stabilizing brace is typically to replace the function of the lax or absent ligments of the knee and to attain normalized knee motion. Many different knee Orthosis manufacturers can fabricate a custom knee brace, and it is up to the Orthotist to determine the most appropriate design based on a detailed assessment of the knee and the patients functional requirements.
With Osteoarthritis, the articular cartilage is often damaged on one side of the knee. If the other side is still relatively intact, the weight of the knee may be shifted or unloaded onto the less-compromised side. This is best accomplished with a custom-made knee Orthosis that can redistribute the forces at the joint. Additionally, this type of Orthosis is appropriate for a patient with a severe unilateral tibial plateau fracture.
Under certain circumstances, the cost or a portion of the cost of this device may be covered for residents of Alberta by government funding.
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