Is valgus unloader bracing effective in normally aligned individuals: implications for post-surgical protocols following cartilage restoration procedures.

Abstract

Utilizing valgus unloader braces to reduce medial compartment loading in patients undergoing cartilage restoration procedures may be an alternative to non-weightbearing post-operative protocols in these patients. It was hypothesized that valgus unloader braces will reduce knee adduction moment during the stance phase in healthy subjects with normal knee alignment.