Clinical Studies
Effect Of A Patellar Realignment Brace On Patellofemoral Relationships:
Evaluation With Kinematic MR Imaging
Frank G. Shellock, PhD, Jerrold H. Mink, MD, Andrew L. Deutsch, MD, James Fox, MD,
Todd Molnar, MD, Ronald Kvitne, MD, Richard Ferkel, MD, Los Angeles, CA.
Published in Journal of Magnetic Resonance Inaging, July/August 1994
The Bauerfeind GenuTrain P3 was evaluated in 21 patellofemoral joints with patellar subluxation (13 lateral and 8 medial) by using active-movement, loaded kinematic magnetic resonance (MR) imaging.
By wearing the Bauerfeind GenuTrain P3, 76% (16) of the patellofememoral joints tested demonstrated a qualitative correction of or improvement in patellar subluxation.
Four of the five “failures” occurred in patellofemoral joints that had patella alta and /or dysplasitc bone anatomy which is not surprising. Patellofemoral joints with these abnormalities do not have anatomic features that are conducive to establishing congruency between the patella and the femoral trochlear groove.
The Bauerfeind GenuTrain P3 was able to counteract patellar subluxation in the majority of patellofemoral joints studied, as shown by active-movement, loaded kinematic MR imaging.
The Bauerfeind GenuTrain P3 is useful for conservative treatment of patients with patellofemoral joint pain secondary to patellar malalignment and maltracking.
The Bauerfeind GenuTrain P3 has a viscoelastic silicone insert with a special guide designed to counteract subluxation of the patella.
In follow up, painful symptoms were alleviated or reduced in 67% of the joints wearing the Bauerfeind GenuTrain P3.
To the author’s knowledge, this study reports the first cases in which a patellar realignment brace was used to correct or improve medial subluxation of the patella.
GenuTrain P3 is a rational and useful conservative technique for the correction or improvement of patellar subluxation. GenuTrain P3 can also be useful for the management of symptoms and additional problems that may develop secondary to patellar subluxation, such as significant shear forces and excessive contact stresses that result in lesions and eventual degeneration of the articular cartilage.
The optimal use of the GenuTrain P3 is likely to occur in conjunction with a directed physical rehabilitation program designed to treat patellofemoral dysfunction, as has been seen with the application of other braces.
