The effects of vacuumic bracing system on the patellofemoral articulation in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome

Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2009 Feb;15(1):29-34. doi: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2008.09.008. Epub 2008 Dec 5.

Abstract

Patellar bracing is a component of treatment of patellofemoral joint (PFJ) problems. A new vacuumic brace was designed by the researchers that act based on an external vacuuming suction. Ten patients were undertaken for the CT scan study at both 0 degrees and 30 degrees knee flexion immediately pre- and post-bracing. Also they examined clinically pre, post and 1 week after using the brace. Measurements of patellofemoral joint space width (PFJSW) and patellofemoral joint area (PFJA) showed that the application of the vacuumic brace is able to create a significant patellofemoral joint distraction at both knee angles. A significant reduction in visual analog scale (VAS) and increase in kujala patellofemoral score (KPS) was found in subjects after using the brace for 1 week. In conclusion, the results conveyed that application of the vacuumic brace is able to create a joint distraction and useful changes in VAS and KPS parameters.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Braces*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Knee Joint*
  • Male
  • Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome / diagnostic imaging
  • Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome / physiopathology
  • Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome / therapy*
  • Range of Motion, Articular
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Vacuum*
  • Young Adult