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Ottobock study, RCT support use of its C-Brace in paresis, Patella Pro in PFPS

Ottobock in May reported results of studies involving two of the Duderstadt, Germany-based company’s devices.

Ottobock investigators on May 4 epublished in Prosthetics and Orthotics International results of a study that evaluated the potential benefits of the C-Brace Orthotronic Mobility System, a microprocessor stance and swing control orthosis, compared with a stance control orthosis and locked knee ankle foot orthosis in activities of daily living (ADL).

According to the Orthosis Evaluation Questionnaire filled out by the 13 patients with various lower limb pareses, the C-Brace significantly improved ambulation, paretic limb health, sounds, well-being, and ADL scores with regard to perceived safety and difficulty.

A second group of investigators, which also included Ottobock employees and consultants, on May 5 epublished in the Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery results of a randomized controlled trial looking at the effects of the company’s Patella Pro brace on patello­femoral pain syndrome (PFPS).

The researchers compared device wear plus supervised physical therapy with physical therapy alone in 156 people with PFPS.

After six and 12 weeks, patients wearing the medially directed patellar realignment brace had significantly better Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) subscales than the unbraced group, along with a higher mean Kujala score and less pain while climbing stairs or playing sports. After 54 weeks, the groups differed only for the KOOS activities of daily living subscale.

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