KNEE ARTHRITIS - Changing the forces through the joint :

Generation II Unloader Select is #1 - - Posted by ken (ken), 18 August 2002

There are many braces on the market but my choice is Generation II Unloader Select.  Generation II is the leader in the industry and I stand behind every word of it www.gen2.com
Posted by admin (The KNEEguru), 2 September 2002

Ken
I understand that you are in the business of braces, and yet not pushing a particular product for personal gain - you are  therefore a great asset to the site.  But it would be good if you could outline why one particular brace may be applicable for a certain set of conditions, so that the 'geeks' do not get as confused as the internet literature.  As I understand it, unloader braces are especially to 'unload' one side (or 'compartment') of the knee joint when either:
(a) arthritis has set in on one side while the other side of the knee joint surface is reasonably normal
(b) when the meniscus is removed and the shock absorber function lost, and one is trying to protect the joint surface from damage.
Maybe also while waiting for a knee replacement or osteotomy to reduce pain.  
Are these the indications for the Generation II unloader brace, and why do you particularly rave about this brace? Unloaders can be uncomfortable - is this one more comfortable than others?  Who are the competitors?  What is the cost?

KNEEguru
Posted by ken (ken), 7 September 2002

I am not in the business of braces and what makes you think that I am.  Why do people assume something that I have not stated (like shazinoz and sue. I am sure you have seen the posts on the sight and if you have not I have deleted mine because I felt like I was on the playground again).  
I have a Generation II unloader brace and it has suited my uses perfectly.  It maybe that it is more comfortable for me because I do not have to use it all day.  An orthotist has explained to me that there is less migration and I have found this to be true.
As for the indications.  Unloader braces are for Unicompartmental OA and can be made custom or off the shelf depending on degree of severity of OA.  There are patellar baces (neoprene or coolmax sleeves) that can be worn with specific braces for patella alta and baja.
Posted by Iona_-Uk (Iona_-Uk), 7 September 2002

Hi Ken

I have found your info on braces quite good thus far and I have always read your posts on them and still do.

I think what people think about your posts is entirely up to them but I have been contacted by a few memebers who think you a brace salesman! lol, I wondered to clarify if you could joint my Hello Everybody discussion in the chat section so that we can get to knwo you a little better?. Of course it is enitrly up to you and I totally understand if you don't want to.

Please don't give up using the board here as your info is likely to help someone who is in need of info on braces.

Incidently, is there any braces in the UK that you maybe alble to recommend for us UK dwellers!.

Iona
Posted by Helen (Helen), 7 September 2002

Hi Ken

Perhaps you could help me out. You seem to know a fair bit about braces, so I guess you're the one to ask. Im looking for a brace to help me with stability, because Im still in the immobiliser and its doing my head in!! Like Iona, Im in the UK, so that limits choice a tad. I discussed the York brace with Iona, but I wanted to find out about alternatives.

Any advice would be appreciated. I basically need one that will stop my knee collapsing all the time or perhaps just stop it collapsing completely. My other knee is on the way out, so stairs are getting scary to say the least.

Helen
Posted by Iona_-Uk (Iona_-Uk), 7 September 2002

Quick P.S to Ken

Basically I am looking for a nw brace for my left knee which like Helens collapses out on me.

Do any of the comapnies ship to the UK and what sort of cost, if they do, do you think we would be looking at?

Thanks in advance Ken.

Iona
Posted by dm (dm), 18 September 2003

Iona,
Im not an expert, but you might want to run a 'net search. I have been to www.kneeshop.com and they have a large selection. They seem to cover a lot of the manufacturers. Maybe you might see something there that you might be able to get? It's possible that they might ship international, I don't know. I used their site as an info source, and went to manufacturer sites from there.

Hope you find what you need.
Posted by ken (ken), 20 September 2003

Just because I promote a brace does not mean I am a slickster.
I only promote Gen II because of the quality performance that it has provided me.  This is all I will say to this subject.  I will answer anyones questions because I am here to help.

This old Forum was so valuable that we have kept it as an archive. It is just for reference. If you want to ask questions or offer advice, there is also a current Bulletin Board which you can access from our home page.