EFFECTIVENESS OF KNEE BRACES IN THE MANAGEMENT OF KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS IN PATIENTS AGED 36 YEARS AND ABOVE IN MULAGO NATIONAL REFERRAL HOSPITAL. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Abstract

Background

Unloader knee braces were effective in the treatment of knee OA and it was a form of management that was recommended by the Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI). The study aims to assess the effectiveness of knee braces in management of Knee osteoarthritis in the management of knee osteoarthritis in patients aged 37 years and above at Mulago National Referral Hospital.

 Methodology

The study was descriptive, and cross-sectional employing a quantitative data collection approach from 45 respondents. It included all male and female patients who were diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis in the Orthopedic workshop.

 Results

Knee braces had a significantly high efficiency of 84.4%, in relieving knee OA symptoms such as pain and decline in the quality of life thereby improving their lifestyle, support and stability, improved walking speed, and reduced pain. 7(15.6%) felt no help was brought by knee brace use. 10(22.2%) experienced improvement in their lifestyle, 8(17.8%) had better support and stability only 5(11.1%) had improved walking speed, 15(33.3%) experienced reduced and knee stiffness and 7(15.6%) experienced none of the changes. Out of 38 respondents who felt a knee brace had helped with their condition 7(19%) experienced a high extent of change, 18(47%) experienced a moderate change and 13(34%) experienced a slight change in their condition with the use of knee braces.By gender 30(66.7%) were female while 15(33.3%) were male.

 Conclusion

The use of Knee braces is highly effective in the management of Knee OA by relieving most symptoms and improving the quality of life of patients with Knee OA.

 Recommendation

MNRH administration should relocate and put in proximity to the different disciplines involved in the management of knee OA to ensure the different professions jointly manage the disease.