Why Custom Knee Bracing
- To provide unparalleled custom fit and function
- For improved tibial-displacement control, greater rigidity, enhanced durability and better soft tissue contact
- If you have a deformity of the leg or knee that precludes fitting with a prefabricated orthosis
- If you do not fit within the normal standard measurement chart
- If you have disproportionate thigh and calf sizes
- If you have minimal muscle mass to suspend an orthosis
- If off-the-shelf knee bracing has failed
- Overall, custom knee braces are more appropriate for abnormal limb contours, high-level athletes and for enhanced patient comfort
How custom knee braces work
Custom knee braces account for subtle nuances in anatomy, providing a brace fit that is truly individual.
Unloading knee braces aid in osteoarthritis pain relief by gently applying pressure to the unaffected side of the knee to relieve the compressive force in the affected side. Therefore, unloading knee braces reduce the force in the degenerative knee compartment which provides long term pain relief, postpones or eliminates the need for surgery, and reduces the need for medications.
Ligament knee braces provide the ultimate combination of stabilization and protection of the knee joint. They are indicated for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), medial collateral ligament (MCL), lateral collateral ligament (LCL), posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), rotary and combined instabilities. They are light-weight, comfortable and easily adjustable.
How we do it at Kinetic Konnection
There are several casting techniques that can be used, depending on the chosen brace.
eCast Virtual Digital Casting
This technique provides a simple solution to custom bracing. It uses the latest advancements in digital photography and computer software to fabricate custom knee braces. eCast allows for the rapid sharing of the patient's precise anatomical details to expedite the brace manufacturing process and it eliminates the time, materials and shipping costs associated with traditional cast molds. A digital camera captures the precise leg anatomy, images are uploaded on the web-based ordering system and trained technicians instantly begin fabricating the custom brace.
Measuring Systems
The DonJoy Mark III Custom Contour Measuring Instrument (CCMI) takes into account fourteen (14) separate anatomical reference points from the patient's leg indicating thigh and calf circumference, thigh and calf contours as well as knee width and varus/valgus (lateral offset). The Breg Custom Knee Measuring System measures thigh and calf circumferences, knee offset and knee width. Both Measuring Systems are reliable in producing a brace fit that is truly individual.
Cast Impression
The Bracing Expert exercises traditional casting techniques when applying the casting material. The cast impression captures the true leg anatomy. It is removed once it is hardened and couriered to the lab for prompt fabrication.
How to get one
Simply contact a Bracing Expert at a Kinetic Konnection® location closest to you. Call, email or come on in. You do not need an appointment to speak with any of our Bracing Experts. Our team of well-trained Kinesiologists can help you with all your custom knee bracing needs. They will also assist you with your health insurance inquiries. Custom Knee Braces are often covered by many insurance plans. We can help you process your claim for quick reimbursement.
Contact us today. Brace it. Do more.