The advantages and disadvantages of knee joint fixation braces

Knee joint fixation braces are widely used in orthopedics, but they also have limitations and are not suitable for all cases of knee pain.

The benefits brought by knee joint fixation brackets:

1. Mechanical protection: Isolate knee joint torsion and excessive flexion and extension, allowing damaged ligaments, meniscus, and fracture sites to heal in a low stress environment, reducing the risk of secondary injury.

2. Relieve pain: Limit abnormal joint friction, reduce inflammatory stimulation, and reduce knee pain when walking.

3. Controllable rehabilitation: The hinge brace can accurately control the flexion and extension angles, standardize postoperative angle training, balance protection and functional exercise, and reduce the heaviness caused by plaster fixation.

4. Emergency protection: In case of acute knee sprain and dislocation, temporary support should be used on site to prevent further injury during transportation.

Potential drawbacks of knee joint fixation brackets (mostly due to improper wearing):

1. Muscle atrophy due to disuse: Long term immobilization leads to rapid atrophy of the quadriceps femoris muscle in the thigh, which becomes increasingly weak as the leg is worn, resulting in dependence on braces.

2. Joint stiffness: Continuous complete fixation, joint capsule contraction, and difficulty in bending the knee in the later stage.

3. Skin compression injury: The hard edges of the stent and the compression of the straps can cause redness and blisters, which are more likely to occur in obese and swollen lower limb populations.

4. Impact on blood circulation: Tight straps can lead to poor venous return in the lower limbs and an increased risk of thrombosis.

Inappropriate/Prohibited Use of Brackets:

1. Skin rupture, infection, and open wounds in the knee joint area.

2. Diagnosed with lower limb deep vein thrombosis and severe lower limb circulatory disorders.

3. Allergic to bracket fabrics and plastic materials.