Ossur Unloader One Knee Brace With Ratchet

Unloader One Knee Brace Features

• Tool-free smartdosing dial enables fine-tuned pain management
• Can be adjusted even when wearing the brace under clothing
• Lightweight, low-profile brace that provides excellent suspension and pain relief
• Dual Dynamic Force System (DFS) straps provide unloading of the knee joint, which may result in pain reduction while being worn
• Color-coded Quick Fit buckles enable easy application and removal
• Unloader One is easy to adjust in the field, to fit an individual‘s contour
• Proprietary sensil silicone liners designed to reduce migration
• Reduces pain, improves function, and decreases the use of pain medication

What to buy with Ossur Unloader One

• Rolyan Leg Elevating Wedge
• Safetec Pain Relief Spray

How to use Ossur Unloader Knee Brace?

1. Open Upper (A) and Lower (B) Buckles. Ask patient to sit down and extend leg while fitting the device. Ensure that the Upper (C) and Lower (D) SmartDosing Dials are set to the “0” position. Place the device on the patient’s leg with the Hinge (E) on the affected side of the knee. Ensure proper alignment of the device on the leg (Fig. 2).
   • Height positioning: Align the center of the Hinge slightly above the middle of the patella.
   • Side positioning: Center of the Hinge should be at midline of leg.
2. Fasten the Buckle buttons to their color-matched Keyholes (F, G).
   • Place the blue Lower Buckle button into the blue Calf Shell Keyhole (F) above Buckle Stability Shelf (H) and use the palm of the hand to snap the Lower Buckle closed (Fig. 3). Adjust Calf Strap (I) to appropriate length by tensioning around the calf and folding into the Alligator Clip (J) so that it keeps the device securely and correctly positioned on leg.
   • Bend the patient’s knee to 80°. Place the yellow Upper Buckle button into the yellow Thigh Shell Keyhole (G) and use the palm of the hand to snap the Upper Buckle closed (Fig. 4). Adjust Thigh Strap (K) to appropriate length by tensioning around leg and folding into Alligator Clip.
3. Adjust the length of the Dynamic Force System (DFS) Straps (L, M).
   • With the patient’s knee fully extended, adjust the Upper DFS Strap (L) length until it sits firmly against the leg, and then fold it into Alligator Clip. At this point, patient should not experience any tension or unloading.
   • Adjust the Lower DFS Strap (M) in the same way.
4. Ask patient to bend knee with the foot flat on the floor. Turn Upper (5a) and then the Lower (5b) SmartDosing Dial clockwise until indicators are in the “5” position. Have the patient stand up and take a few steps to verify correct positioning of the device and tightness of the straps.
   • Determine optimal DFS Strap tension based on patient’s pain relief feedback.
   • If patient requires more or less tension with indicator at the “5” position, adjust the length of the DFS Straps accordingly.
   • Aim for final SmartDosing Dial setting at the “5” position since this will give patient the ability to adjust dosing during daily life activities.
5. When final fit has been confirmed, trim the straps to the appropriate length starting with the Calf Strap so that device sits correctly on leg while trimming other straps.
   • Ensure that the Strap Pad (N) is not wrinkled and positioned where the DFS straps cross in the popliteal fossa (Fig. 6).
   • Trim back the straps sufficiently so that the alligator clips are positioned away from the popliteal area. This reduces the bulk behind the knee.
   • Keyhole locks may be inserted into Calf (O) and Thigh (P) Shell if desired to ensure straps cannot accidentally be disengaged from shells (Fig. 7).

 

When to use Unloader One Knee Brace?

• Moderate to severe unicompartmental knee osteoarthritis
• Degenerative meniscal tears
• Other unicompartmental knee conditions that may benefit from unloading such as:
  • Articular cartilage defect repair
  • Avascular necrosis
  • Tibial plateau fracture
  • Bone marrow lesions (bone bruises)

Cleaning and Wasing Instructions

• Washing the device with the soft goods detached allows for more thorough cleaning
• Hand-wash using mild detergent and rinse thoroughly
• Air dry
• Do not machine-wash, tumble dry, iron, bleach, or wash with fabric softener
• Avoid contact with salt water or chlorinated water
• In case of contact, rinse with fresh water and air dry

Ossur Unloader One Knee Brace User Guides

• Ossur Unloader One Fitting Instructions
• Unloader One Knee Brace User Manual

FAQs About Ossur Unloader One

1. What is the difference between an Offloader and unloader knee brace?

Knee braces are designed to redistribute pressure within the knee, “unloading” one side of the joint to the other. An unloader knee brace does exactly what its name suggests—it shifts stress from the affected side of the joint to the healthier side of the joint.

2. Are unloader knee braces effective?

Unloader braces are an economical and effective treatment for unicompartmental knee osteoarthritis. They can significantly improve a patient's quality of life and potentially delay the need for surgery.

3. Do you need a prescription for an unloader knee brace?

An orthotist can make a custom fitted unloading brace. You will need a prescription from your provider.

4. How long should you wear an unloader brace?

In the first week, two hours per day is the recommended length of time. In the second week, you can start to wear your brace for up to four hours per day. By the third week, you can wear your brace for six to eight hours per day, or as needed.