The Effect of Knee Brace Use on Gait Deviation in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis: Literature Review

Abstract

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a major cause of disability associated with joint degeneration and altered gait biomechanics, particularly increased medial knee loading and gait deviation. Knee braces are commonly used as a conservative intervention, although their effectiveness in modifying gait remains uncertain. This literature review analyzed studies from PubMed, Scopus, and EBSCO published within the last 10 years. Of 212 identified records, three studies met the inclusion criteria. Outcomes included pain (VAS), functional status (WOMAC), and biomechanical parameters such as external knee adduction moment (EKAM). The findings indicate that knee braces provide consistent symptomatic benefits, including pain reduction, improved stability, and enhanced functional performance, which may indirectly improve gait. Valgus knee braces demonstrated modest but significant reductions in medial knee loading, as reflected by decreased EKAM. However, their biomechanical effectiveness was inferior to laterally wedged insoles in one study, and not all studies directly assessed objective gait parameters. Additionally, outcomes varied depending on brace type, duration of use, and patient-specific factors. Evidence remains largely limited to short-term effects, with insufficient data on long-term biomechanical outcomes. Overall, knee braces offer clinically meaningful but variable benefits in knee OA, with limited evidence supporting their direct impact on gait deviation. Their use should be considered adjunctive, and further high-quality studies are needed to clarify long-term effectiveness.

Keywords: Knee Brace, Knee Osteoarthritis, Gait deviation.