Clinically meaningful pain reduction with the SecuTec OA

The SecuTec OA can provide osteoarthritis patients suffering from axis misalignments and muscular deficits with the necessary relief and stability for the knee joint. The data for its potential use during conservative treatment comes from a study conducted at Rijnstate Ziekenhuis in Arnhem. The hospital examined the use of the hard-frame brace over a period of six months. Patients suffering from medial osteoarthritis of the knee wore the SecuTec OA – which was individually adapted – to relieve the affected compartment. The findings published by de Jong & van Loon et al. showed a clinically meaningful reduction in knee pain caused by strain, and documented a decreased need for analgesics.

Test subjects suffering from moderate to advanced osteoarthritis of the knee

55 patients from Rijnstate Ziekenhuis took part in the randomized controlled study (RCT) with a mixed-methods design. All test subjects had radiologically confirmed Stage 2 to 3 medial osteoarthritis of the knee according to the Kellgren-Lawrence Score. As opposed to the control group, the intervention group was treated with the SecuTec OA, which they wore for an average of 6.6 hours per day. The test subjects’ pain level was recorded using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) at rest and when subjected to strain following a six-minute walking test. Data was supplemented using the WOMAC questionnaire to evaluate pain, stiffness, and functional restrictions when suffering from osteoarthritis of the knee or hip, as well as the SF-12 Quality of Life Questionnaire which records the benefits of medical treatment. In addition, qualitative interviews about overall satisfaction were conducted with some of the test subjects.

Open-access publication of the study results

The findings were published in 2025 with free access in the specialist journal PLoS One by Lex D. de Jong & Corné J.M. van Loon et al.* They discussed the significant pain reduction triggered by the brace when subjected to strain, substantiated with a difference on the VAS by 2.13 cm after the six-minute walking test. The intervention group’s significantly decreased consumption of analgesics was also part of the evaluation with an average of 21 tablets compared to 54 in the control group. They also referred to qualitative effectiveness assessments which suggest further benefits. Many patients reported, for example, a subjectively increased feeling of stability and higher level of activity during everyday life.

* de Jong LD, van der Zwaard BC, van Blommestein MYH, van Loon CJ (2025) Effectiveness and user experiences of a valgus brace in patients with knee osteoarthritis: A mixed-method randomised controlled trial. PLoS One 20(9): e0330157.

Service information

The SecuTec OA relieves the knee joint in accordance with the 3-point principle as pressure is gently applied via the lower leg, and additionally stabilizes in accordance with the 4-point principle. It therefore counteracts both anterior and posterior instability. The hard-frame brace features a valgus and varus setting which can be adapted during treatment to individually relieve either the medial or the lateral knee compartment.

Physicians and medical retailers can obtain product information from their local Bauerfeind Sales Team or Bauerfeind’s International Customer Service.