Effects of a Knee Brace With a Patellar Hole Versus Without a Patellar Hole in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis: A Double-Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

The objective of this study was to observe the immediate effect of a knee brace with a patellar hole versus without a patellar hole on pain perception in patients with knee osteoarthritis. To accomplish this, a double-blind, randomized controlled trial enrolled 108 patients divided into two groups (knee brace with a patellar hole or without a patellar hole). Patients were evaluated by the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) in order to measure their pain sensation, the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test was used to evaluate their ability to walk, and the 8-m walking test (8MWT) was used to estimate their walking speed. Both groups presented significant reduction in pain perception, higher function of the lower extremities, and greater mobility while wearing a knee brace. However, the patients who wore a knee brace without a patellar hole presented more favorable results than those who wore a knee brace with a patellar hole: a 1.6-point reduction was found versus 1.1 points in the VAS, the patients presented 0.7 s less time versus 0.4 s in the TUG, and the speed was reduced by 1.4 s versus 0.8 s in the 8MWT. Therefore, the knee brace without a patellar hole presented more favorable results when compared with the knee brace with a patellar hole.

Consensus Guidelines on Interventional Therapies for Knee Pain (STEP Guidelines) from the American Society of Pain and Neuroscience

“… 150 Hole cut-out: One study reported knee bracing without a patella hole cut-out as superior citing the thought that the cut-out gives the wearer more dynamic somatosensory stimulation and control (Level 1 Grade B or C). 151 For anterior knee pain in the case of PFPS and tendinitis, the knee sleeve, either elastic or neoprene, compresses the knee, and patellar strap can be used to control pain. The patella cut-out in the knee sleeve provides comfort and not function.…”