Use of the proper knee stabilizing device after surgery can improve chances for a successful recovery, according to James Stannard, M.D., an orthopedic trauma surgeon at UAB. When the knee is dislocated, surgical treatment and physical therapy are required for the displaced knee and also for any accompanying ligament damage.
"The challenge is to allow therapy without placing reconstructed ligaments under stresses that can result in failure." At last week's meeting of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, Stannard said that use of an external stabilizing device called the Compass Knee Hinge keeps the knee in its proper position and produces better functional outcomes than conventional braces. The hinged device resulted in significantly fewer ligament reconstruction failures -- 7 percent vs. 29 percent.
Contact Hank Black, Media Relations, 205-934-8938 or [email protected].
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