3.3 Contraindications
3.3.1 Absolute Contraindications
None known.
3.3.2 Relative Contraindications
The following indications require consultation with a physician: skin dis
eases/injuries; inflammation; prominent, swollen scars; reddening and
hyperthermia of the treated limb; pronounced varicose veins, especially with
impaired return flow; lymphatic flow disorders, including unclear soft tissue
swelling distal to the body area where the device will be applied; sensory
and circulatory disorders in the legs, e. g. associated with diabetic neuropa
thy.
•
Bicompartmental osteoarthritis of the knee
3.4 Mechanism of Action
The brace reduces or increases the varus moment on the knee joint depend
ing on the chosen brace.
Two mechanisms influence the extent of the varus moment on the knee joint.
Initially the rigid bridging of the ankle joint in the frontal plane reduces ever
sion in the lower ankle joint. At the same time, forces that can be adjusted at
the lateral contact point of the brace are transferred in the area of the lower
leg.
In the treatment of medial osteoarthritis of the knee (brace bar lateral), this
effect shifts the vector of the ground reaction force laterally. Immediate con
sequences are the reduction of varus moment and relief for the medial com
partment. In the treatment of lateral osteoarthritis of the knee (brace bar
medial), the force transmission point is shifted in the medial direction. This
increases the varus moment, relieving the lateral compartment. Strain can be
relieved on either the lateral or medial compartment depending on the brace
selection.
4 Safety
4.1 Explanation of warning symbols
Warning regarding possible risks of accident or injury.
CAUTION
Warning regarding possible technical damage.
NOTICE
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