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J Knee Surg 2022; 35(03): 266-272
DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1736198
Special Focus Section

Alternatives to Knee Braces

John Milner
1   Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
,
Davis Hartnettt
1   Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
,
Steven F. DeFroda 
2   Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Missouri System, Columbia, Missouri
› Author Affiliations Funding None.
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Abstract

Knee braces continue to be a widely utilized piece of medical equipment, ranging from simple over the counter sleeves to more complex functional braces, with the ability to provide electrical stimulation to muscle groups. Despite their popularity, alternatives to knee braces exist for patients who find braces to be ineffective, uncomfortable, cumbersome, or overly expensive. While high-quality studies are lacking for modalities such as neoprene sleeves, compression stockings, and kinesiotaping, there is promising evidence that these interventions can confer an element of stability and pain relief for a variety of knee pathologies both with regard to acute and chronic injuries as well as in the postoperative rehabilitation period. While no “holy grail” exists for the ideal brace, or bracing alternative, it is important for providers to be aware of the options available to patients as well as the current evidence for these various modalities, so that the provider can best guide musculoskeletal care.

Keywords

knee - bracing - tape - neoprene - arthritis


Publication History

Received: 27 July 2021

Accepted: 18 August 2021

Article published online:
02 October 2021

© 2021. Thieme. All rights reserved.

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