Is a Lateral Wedge Orthosis Appropriate for Knee Osteoarthritis?

Total knee arthroplasties are not uncommon in the United States.  Apparently, $3.2 billion was spent on total knee arthroplasties in 2001.  Interestingly, no predetermined standardized indications for total knee arthroplasty exist.  Just say "no" to arthroscopic surgery for osteoarthritis of the knee was rolled out to family physicians in 2009.  That's great, yet the recommendations on what to do don't include the intervention of a physical therapist.  This means it may be unlikely that patients are referred to physical therapists when their symptoms are mild to moderate.  Physical therapists just aren't on the physician's radar screen.

There is a session occurring during the American Physical Therapy Association Combined Sections Meeting that addresses the biomechanical changes that occur with knee osteoarthritis (in particular medial knee arthritis).  Is a lateral wedge orthosis indicated or not indicated?

Joaquin Barrios, PT, Irene Davis, PT, Robert Butler, PT, and Ryan Mizner, PT will be discussing a biomechanical approach to restoring function in knee osteoarthritis on February 18 from 2:30-4:30 pm.

photo by dharmabox via Flickr

~Selena