Freedom from knee pain – Get Moving again
When your diagnosis is: anterior knee pain
Benefits at a glance
Targeted tracking
The Patella Pro’s unique mode of action provides the patella with targeted tracking in the respective flexion angle, relieving the joint structures.
Enjoy moving
The Patella Pro brace helps to relieve knee pain. This makes everyday activities such as taking the stairs or going on a walk possible again, as well as sporting activities such as school and recreational sports.
Unobtrusive
The Patella Pro distinguishes itself with its lightweight and slim design and is unobtrusive when worn under clothing. Elements which adapt to one another ensure a precise fit to the respective leg shape.
Easy to use
Handy quick-release closures and donning and doffing loops make it easier for you to put your brace on and take it off on a daily basis. The breathable materials of the Patella Pro make it pleasant to wear, and they are also designed for a firm fit so that the brace does not slip while you move.
Customised, precise fit
It is important for your brace to fit properly so that unpleasant or painful pressure points cannot develop. This is why the Patella Pro features practical hook-and-loop and ratchet closures, which your physician or technician can use to adjust the brace to your individual requirements.
Clinical picture
What is anterior knee pain?
Do you have pain at the front of your knee joint? If so, your physician may have already diagnosed you with “patellofemoral pain syndrome”, meaning pain in the front of the knee joint.
This is one of the most frequent clinical pictures in orthopaedics. Every fourth knee problem is anterior knee pain. Incidentally, women are affected more often than men.
How does anterior knee pain actually occur?
This condition can have a variety of causes.
Excessive strain on the patellofemoral joint is often thought to trigger anterior knee pain.
Normally, the kneecap (patella) glides along the thigh bone as if on a track. In anterior knee pain, the patella is often displaced. It slips outwards and causes pain.
The patella can become displaced especially during knee flexion from 10° to 30° because tracking is comparatively weak in this range. With greater flexion (>30°), the patella is firmly seated in its “holder”. The risk of maltracking is then low.
Proper tracking makes all the difference: Patella Pro
For patients with anterior knee pain, smaller flexion angles are especially critical, as these can relatively quickly result in the patella shifting outwards. This is precisely where the Patella Pro comes in with its unique mode of action. Thanks to its dynamic re-alignment mechanism, it tracks the patella precisely to the middle of the joint, i.e. centres it. This relieves the joint cartilage. We call this process “dynamic” because the patella is only ever tracked as much as the respective movement demands.
At the beginning of flexion, when the patella is not yet sufficiently guided in its “bony track”, the brace tracks it specifically, thus supporting the overstrained musculature. If the knee joint is flexed further, the patella glides into the “track” of the thigh bone.
Patella Move exercise programme
Exercise programme
Ottobock has developed Patella Move, a special exercise programme, to support your rehabilitation and to ensure that the Patella Pro brace remains effective over the long-term.
It can help you strengthen your muscles and relearn correct muscle coordination. You can easily perform the exercises at home. However, it is important for you to first talk to your physician or physiotherapist to determine whether the exercises are suitable for you and to make sure you perform them properly. The exercises of the Patella Move programme are divided into four units:
- Pain reduction: You start out with pain reduction exercises which simultaneously serve to make your knee more mobile. Training also helps alleviate inflammation in the knee, so that swelling in the affected areas is reduced.
- Activation: With this training programme, you exercise your thigh musculature, which is an important prerequisite for pain-free movements, including in the knee.
- Balance and coordination: Training proper muscle coordination and balance contributes to your long-term rehabilitation success as well.
- Strengthening: Muscle development and coordination training are the exercise goals here. The causes of anterior knee pain include weakened musculature as well as disturbed muscle coordination. With these exercises, you target the underlying cause of your complaints.
Further information on the Patella Move programme is found in the download area.
Downloads
- download 1.26 MB | PDF
Information for users
This document provides you with information on the clinical picture of anterior knee pain, therapy options and the functionality of the Patella Pro.
- download 460.08 kB | PDF
Patella Move therapy programme
In the special “Patella Move” exercise programme, we have compiled exercises to support the treatment with the Patella Pro brace.
FAQs
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What is the course of therapy for anterior knee pain?
The therapy concept is individually coordinated for you and your needs. Medications can initially help deal with acute pain. Physiotherapy is intended to help improve muscular coordination. Simultaneously, emphasis is placed on correcting functional malpositions and compensating postures. Secure tracking of the patella can establish the conditions for pain-free movement. The Patella Pro supports this effectively.
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Does an operation exclude the use of the Patella Pro?
No, in fact the knee brace is also often used after an operation. Experience in clinical practice has shown that many patients experience significant relief for their symptoms with the Patella Pro after an operation. However, it is once again important here that it is integrated in a well-planned concept consisting of training, rehabilitation and therapy.
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How long does it take before my pain is reduced with the Patella Pro?
This can vary from individual to individual, as the progress of healing is very unique. Influencing factors include your physical condition, for example, or whether you have chronic or acute symptoms. The amount of time you invest in your rehabilitation is also important.
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Can I wear the brace under normal clothing?
Yes, because the Patella Pro is very lightweight and features a slim design. The materials are breathable and comfortable to wear, and also prevent odours from developing.
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Will I need to wear the brace forever?
No, the brace is worn for approximately half to one year. The muscles in the knee are then once again able to hold the patella in the right position independently.
