Osteoarthritis is one of the leading causes of disability in Canada. Approximately 4.6 million Canadians are affected by pain related to Osteoarthritis.
What is OSTEOArTHRITIS?
There is currently no cure for osteoarthritis other than joint replacement surgery, but there are many conservative management strategies that may help to reduce pain, increase mobility, and improve quality of life without surgical intervention.
Osteoarthritis is the degradation or “wear and tear” of articular cartilage within a joint, which leads to inflammation and pain.
Previous injury, or misalignment of the lower limb may increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis in the knee.
By repositioning the knee and providing stability, a decrease in pain and inflammation around the affected joint is typically experienced when wearing the brace.
HELP?
HOW CAN knee bracing
Patients who are ineligible for, or want to delay a joint replacement surgery, or who are looking to manage knee pain while waiting for surgery may experience pain relief with the use of an offloading knee brace.
An offloading knee brace mechanically realigns the knee to redistribute body weight from the damaged compartment to the healthy compartment of the knee, reducing the force going through the arthritic part of the knee when you are on your feet.
The braces provide stability when standing and walking, as well as preventing excessive or unwanted motion within the knee joint.
How the Terminator Brace is different from other knee braces:
The Terminator brace is manufactured on site in our Lethbridge clinic by our team of highly skilled technicians. Keeping our manufacturing in house allows us to optimize the design of the brace for each individual patient and allows for quick and easy maintenance and repairs
We use highly accurate 3D scanning technology to get the best shape capture possible. Accuracy in shape capture is important in ensuring an intimate fit which improves the performance and comfort of the brace
The lightweight materials we use in the construction of the brace allow for significant adjustability after the manufacturing process is complete. This means that as your leg shape changes with muscular changes or weight loss, we can alter the brace to accommodate for these changes.
We highly encourage regular check ups to maintain an optimal fit to your brace, and ensure the best possible function and comfort.
OUR
process
One of our Certified Orthotists will assess your leg to determine if you are a good candidate for offloading knee bracing.
As Certified Orthotists, our team can authorize direct billing through Alberta Aids to Daily Living, a funding program available to all Albertans which covers certain costs associated with chronic conditions. If you have a diagnosis of Osteoarthritis, you may be eligible for funding to cover some or all of the cost of the brace. Our team can determine your funding eligibility. Costs that cannot be billed directly through AADL can be submitted to private insurance for reimbursement.
A high definition 3D scan will be taken to provide a model on which we will make the brace
Once the brace is fabricated we will ensure a proper fit and provide instructions on proper wear and care of the brace.
FORMER CHIEF OF ORTHOPAEDIC SURGERY, CALGARY SOUTH HEALTH CAMPUS
"The main reason I like to use [these] braces is that it's unique. There's no other brace like it.
"Patients that are suffering from pain from arthritis, either on the inside or the outside of the knee, are ideal for these braces. Individuals who want to delay the need for surgery, who want to optimize and maximize their quality of life now and be active with their children, their grandchildren and want to get the most out of their knees until they absolutely have to have surgery. The brace is ideal for that.
"The Lethbridge Orthotics braces really are the best of the best."
-Dr. Stephen Miller
