Braces used for OA are applied to which joints for knee OA and hand OA, respectively?

Braces used for OA are applied to which joints for knee OA and hand OA, respectively?

• A. Knee: Tibiofemoral; Hand: CMC orthosis
• B. Knee: Patellofemoral; Hand: MCP orthosis
• C. Knee: Tibiofemoral; Hand: Wrist brace
• D. Knee: Tibial plateau; Hand: CMC orthosis

Answer: (A)

Bracing for OA focuses on the joints most commonly affected and aims to unload or stabilize that specific site. In knee osteoarthritis, the tibiofemoral joint (the main knee joint between the femur and tibia) is typically the primary target, with braces designed to shift load away from the affected compartment to reduce pain. In hand osteoarthritis, the first carpometacarpal joint at the base of the thumb is a common source of pain, and a CMC orthosis provides immobilization and support at that joint to relieve symptoms and improve function. Therefore, the correct pairing is tibiofemoral for the knee and CMC for the hand.

Bracing for OA focuses on the joints most commonly affected and aims to unload or stabilize that specific site. In knee osteoarthritis, the tibiofemoral joint (the main knee joint between the femur and tibia) is typically the primary target, with braces designed to shift load away from the affected compartment to reduce pain. In hand osteoarthritis, the first carpometacarpal joint at the base of the thumb is a common source of pain, and a CMC orthosis provides immobilization and support at that joint to relieve symptoms and improve function. Therefore, the correct pairing is tibiofemoral for the knee and CMC for the hand.