Latest news with #Orthopaedics
CNN
4 days ago
- Health
- CNN
The best knee braces, according to physical therapists and orthopedists
Knee braces quick picks Compression knee brace: Copper Fit Freedom Knee Compression Sleeve Patella support knee brace: Bauerfiend GenuTrain Knee Support Brace Wraparound knee brace: BioSkin Wraparound Patella Stabilizer Hinged knee brace: DonJoy Performance Hinged Knit Knee Brace If you're recovering from an injury or just looking for a bit of stability during activity, the best knee brace for your needs should keep you feeling comfortable, supported and safe. But finding the right brace can be tricky depending on the type of support your joint needs. Not to worry. We spoke to orthopedic surgeons and physical therapists about a range of knee brace designs and options so you can be on the mend quickly. While this list can certainly serve as a starting point for your quest for better joint support, you'll definitely want to consult your primary health care provider before making a decision on the right knee brace for you. Bonus: They'll also be able to offer some exercises to help with knee pain to maximize your recovery and ultimate comfort. Copper Fit Freedom Knee Compression Sleeve 'This is a good brace for general support for daily activity or with aerobic activity,' Dr. Sudheer Reddy, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon at Shady Grove Orthopaedics, said. He recommends the sleeve since it's comfortable to wear and slim enough to fit under clothing. Since it features grippy bands around the top and bottom to make sure it stays in place while you move, it's an especially great option for active folks who tend to sweat. It's also a budget-friendly find, coming in under $15. DonJoy Drytex Sport Hinged Knee Sleeve Reddy likes this knee brace because of the stability its hinges provide and because it's made with DonJoy's Drytex fabric. He called the fabric 'an alternative to neoprene' (which some wearers may find causes hot spots) and noted that it allows for greater breathability, which is ideal for higher sweat activities like running. Its hinges on both sides create crucial stability, but you'll still experience flexibility without feeling restricted. DonJoy Performance Hinged Knit Knee Brace Alexandra D'Annibale, a physical therapist at Spear Center, recommends this brace because it's designed with a four-way stretch material that will accommodate your joints as you move throughout the day. It features removable plastic hinges, which promote both medial and lateral stability, but if you don't need them, you can always remove them for more of a sleeve-like fit. Its patella buttress is designed to support your kneecap, and the compressive design helps minimize swelling. Breg Recover Knee Brace 'This is a hinged knee brace that features 'drop locks' that can help restrict motion and guide rehabilitation for individuals recovering from injury or surgery,' Reddy said. "It is very good at restricting side-to-side motion at the knee that can increase chances of injury.' This brace is bulkier than other options on the market, meaning it might not create a streamlined fit under tighter clothes. But it can be locked in five different positions and has a universal fit to suit both your right and left legs. CVS Knee Support Sleeve D'Annibale explained that compression sleeves are knee braces that offer mild support and can help reduce swelling without restricting your range of motion. She recommends this simple CVS brand support sleeve that's easy to wash after wear, offers flexible support and comes in four different sizes so you can find one that fits just right. Your kneecap should sit just under the lighter part of the fabric, which helps you guide the brace into the right spot. Breg Hinged Knee Support Brace 'This is a good wraparound brace with cushioning around the patella and a breathable material,' Reddy said of this brace for mild ligament instabilities. He appreciates its adjustable straps that prevent it from sliding down and that the brace is overall easy to put on and fit around your joint. It's also washable thanks to its removable hinges. Bauerfiend GenuTrain Knee Support Brace 'Most often, I recommend the open-kneecap sleeve to support patella tracking or one of the Bauerfeind Knee Supports, which come with a gel pad that sits around the patella,' Darcie Pervier, a physical therapist and owner of Newburyport Wellness in Massachusetts, told CNN Underscored contributor Marissa Miller for this story. 'The Bauerfeind supports are made with a knit fabric that is breathable, and when fitted well, they don't slide down as easily as many sleeves." DonJoy Tru-Pull Lite Knee Brace 'Pain in the front of the knee, called patellofemoral pain, is a common problem encountered by patients,' Reddy said. 'Issues can range from arthritis of the patellofemoral joint to patellar instability ([when the] kneecap can slide out of place).' Reddy recommends this wraparound brace because of the lateral buttress strap that helps stabilize the patella during activity. The strap doesn't just secure the brace around your thigh and calf; it pulls the whole device to fit around the whole of your knee joint. Breg Fusion OA Plus Knee Brace If you're looking for something top-of-the-line, Reddy suggests this brace from Breg. 'Knee arthritis is very common in individuals. While this brace is bulkier and more expensive, it's helpful in reducing stress to the arthritic parts of the knee during activity,' he said. Reddy also likes that it has adjustable Velcro straps that help tailor fit to a person's knee and it features hinges on either side to help support the knee and allow freedom of movement during activity. Use it for low-impact activities such as walking, tennis and golf. DonJoy Performance Bionic Knee Brace Pervier told us this brace is light enough to wear while you're fairly active, but it still offers more physical support than a sleeve due to its hinges, which provide lateral support. The brace also has anti-slip technology to keep it in place while you're moving, and adjustable straps for a customized fit. Pervier notes that even though it offers decent lateral stability, this brace isn't designed for major knee injuries. BioSkin Wraparound Patella Stabilizer Knee Brace Julie Landis, a physical therapist and certified professional ergonomist, told Miller she recommends this neoprene option from BioSkin. The fabric makes the brace easy to slide on, and Landis notes the compression can help reduce pain and swelling. In addition to adjustable straps at the top and bottom of the brace, this option has a patellar tracking strap that can be positioned medially or laterally. Landis said this feature can 'help properly guide and control its movement during bending and straightening.' Mueller Sports Medicine Self-Adjusting Hinged Knee Brace If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, this pick from Mueller Sports Medicine is under $30. Lisa Chase, an orthopedic and sports physical therapist and owner of Back 2 Normal Physical Therapy, spoke with Miller and recommends this affordable option because it offers moderate stabilization but is still comfortable and versatile. It's made from a neoprene material that's comfortable for long wear, allowing for flexibility while you move. It's another hinged option to provide lateral stability. Shock Doctor Ultra Knit Knee Support Chase told CNN Underscored that she likes this brace for athletes who need both compression and stability. This compressive brace comes in four sizes and has been designed with a moisture-wicking material. This will help wick away sweat during a grueling workout. Its patella gel buttress helps provide support and cushioning to your patella (without a cumbersome wraparound strap) so it's easy to put on and remove. Neenca Hinged Knee Brace Landis told us that she recommends this hinged brace from Neenca. If you're healing from an injury, this brace is designed to block movement, restricting your joint to a safe range of motion or maintaining it in a fixed position. The sides of this brace have two-sided locking dials, which fix the brace in place and can be unlocked to adjust your range of motion. Dr. Brace Professional Knee Brace Four adjustable straps, patella gel pads and side stabilizers round out this brace. Pervier recommends a wraparound brace for clients who may be struggling with arthritis in their hands as well as their knees, since the brace is easier than others to slide on compared to a sleeve. This pick from Dr. Brace offers both light compression and stability for the joint. If your doctor has recommended a knee brace, chances are they have walked you through what to look for to best address your unique situation. But if you're dealing with an old injury or just looking for extra support, there are lots of options on the market that can help fast-track your healing. Type of knee brace There are two types of knee braces to consider. The first is a compression sleeve, which is designed to help with swelling and offer mild support. D'Annibale noted these types of braces typically don't restrict your joint movement. The other kind is a hinged brace, which D'Annibale said is used for joint stability and protection. Hinged braces don't provide compression. Material You'll also want to consider the material of the brace. If you're looking to wear a brace while playing sports, walking, running or participating in higher-impact activities that promote sweat production, look for something washable and sweat-wicking. While neoprene is a fabric our experts called out for its comfort and breathability, Lynn J. Berman, owner and physical therapist at Spring Forward PT, noted you'll also find knee sleeves made with copper-infused material and fabric sleeves. These materials can offer sweat-wicking properties or have a more thin, streamlined design for wearing under clothes. Activity For a knee brace best suited for your purposes, D'Annibale suggests identifying what type of activity you'll be wearing it for. She noted that the style of brace will vary whether you're using it for everyday activity or for post-operation support. If you're unsure, consult a physical therapist to determine what type of support you might need before you make your purchase. The following FAQs were answered by Lynn J. Berman, owner and physical therapist at Spring Forward PT and Alexandra D'Annibale, a physical therapist at Spear Center. Are knee braces considered compression? Are knee braces considered compression? The simple answer is no. Not all knee braces are considered compression braces. Specific knee braces offer compression, so you'll have to look for one that does if that's the type of support you require. D'Annibale breaks knee braces down into two categories: compression braces (also referred to as sleeves) and hinged braces. If you're looking for something compressive, you'll typically find that terminology listed in the brace's description. Can you use a knee brace and a knee sleeve together? Can you use a knee brace and a knee sleeve together? 'Yes, wearing a compression sleeve [also known as a knee sleeve] under a knee brace is common, particularly following surgery,' D'Annibale said. She noted that the sleeve can help manage swelling while a brace offers structural support during recovery. Structural support can help limit movement of the joint so you don't overexert it while healing. How do you put on a knee brace? How do you put on a knee brace? D'Annibale said that you can put on a compression sleeve by sliding it over your foot and up your leg. She noted you'll want to position the brace so your kneecap is centered and the brace lies flat on your body without bunching anywhere. For hinged braces, she recommended beginning with straps open. Then, position the brace behind your knee, aligning the hinges with the joint. Fasten the straps in the recommended order — typically from bottom to top — ensuring a snug but comfortable fit. For this article, we consulted the following experts to gain their professional insights. Lynn J. Berman, owner and physical therapist at Spring Forward PT Lisa Chase, an orthopedic and sports physical therapist and owner of Back 2 Normal Physical Therapy Alexandra D'Annibale, a physical therapist with Spear Center Julie Landis, a physical therapist and certified professional ergonomist Darcie Pervier, a physical therapist and owner of Newburyport Wellness Dr. Sudheer Reddy, board-certified orthopedic surgeon at Shady Grove Orthopaedics CNN Underscored has a team of skilled writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when applicable to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. For this article, writer Ellen McAlpine and contributing editor Marissa Miller spoke with orthopedic doctors and physical therapists to learn more about expert-recommended knee braces. McAlpine compiled this list of braces to help you recover, heal and stay active.
Yahoo
02-08-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Stryker (SYK) Reports Q2 Earnings: What Key Metrics Have to Say
For the quarter ended June 2025, Stryker (SYK) reported revenue of $6.02 billion, up 11.1% over the same period last year. EPS came in at $3.13, compared to $2.81 in the year-ago quarter. The reported revenue represents a surprise of +1.09% over the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $5.96 billion. With the consensus EPS estimate being $3.06, the EPS surprise was +2.29%. While investors scrutinize revenue and earnings changes year-over-year and how they compare with Wall Street expectations to determine their next move, some key metrics always offer a more accurate picture of a company's financial health. As these metrics influence top- and bottom-line performance, comparing them to the year-ago numbers and what analysts estimated helps investors project a stock's price performance more accurately. Here is how Stryker performed in the just reported quarter in terms of the metrics most widely monitored and projected by Wall Street analysts: Net Sales by Geography- Orthopaedics- Hips- United States: $283 million versus $279.15 million estimated by three analysts on average. Compared to the year-ago quarter, this number represents a +8.4% change. Net Sales by Geography- Orthopaedics- Knees- United States: $460 million compared to the $462.74 million average estimate based on three analysts. The reported number represents a change of +6.2% year over year. Net Sales by Geography- Orthopaedics- Hips- International: $183 million versus the three-analyst average estimate of $181.41 million. The reported number represents a year-over-year change of +9.6%. Net Sales by Geography- Orthopaedics- International: $675 million compared to the $739.65 million average estimate based on three analysts. The reported number represents a change of +0.2% year over year. Net Sales by Geography- Orthopaedics: $2.25 billion versus the six-analyst average estimate of $2.29 billion. The reported number represents a year-over-year change of -2.3%. Net Sales by Business- MedSurg and Neurotechnology: $3.77 billion compared to the $3.68 billion average estimate based on six analysts. The reported number represents a change of +21% year over year. Net Sales by Geography- Orthopaedics- Knees: $640 million versus $641.42 million estimated by four analysts on average. Compared to the year-ago quarter, this number represents a +6.3% change. Net Sales by Business- MedSurg and Neurotechnology- Medical: $990 million versus the four-analyst average estimate of $985.69 million. The reported number represents a year-over-year change of +9%. Net Sales by Business- MedSurg and Neurotechnology- Endoscopy: $899 million compared to the $835.42 million average estimate based on four analysts. The reported number represents a change of +17.1% year over year. Net Sales by Geography- Orthopaedics- Hips: $466 million versus $457.77 million estimated by four analysts on average. Compared to the year-ago quarter, this number represents a +8.9% change. Net Sales by Geography- Orthopaedics- Other: $183 million versus the four-analyst average estimate of $194.65 million. The reported number represents a year-over-year change of +34.6%. Net Sales by Geography- Orthopaedics- Trauma and Extremities: $957 million compared to the $916.05 million average estimate based on four analysts. The reported number represents a change of +15% year over year. View all Key Company Metrics for Stryker here>>> Shares of Stryker have returned -0.7% over the past month versus the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +2.3% change. The stock currently has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), indicating that it could perform in line with the broader market in the near term. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Stryker Corporation (SYK) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research ( Zacks Investment Research
Yahoo
26-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
FDA grants 510(k) clearance to Stryker's total ankle system
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted 510(k) clearance to Stryker's Incompass Total Ankle System, designed for individuals whose ankle joints are damaged due to severe rheumatoid, degenerative, or post-traumatic arthritis. This implant integrates technologies of the company's Inbone and Infinity systems to offer a comprehensive, unified solution for total ankle replacement. The system features Adaptis Boney Ingrowth Technology and redesigned instrumentation for supporting long-term fixation and surgical flexibility. It is said to be tailored for addressing challenges such as intraoperative adaptability and procedural efficiency in ankle replacement surgeries. Incompass is the result of extensive research, including data from more than 85,000 computed tomography (CT) scans and 100,000 clinical cases. Developed using the Stryker Orthopaedic Modeling & Analytics (SOMA) platform, the combination of Incompass with arthritic ankle scans from the Prophecy surgical planning system offers implant and instrumentation options, catering to the varying needs of surgeons and the anatomy of patients. These enhancements include a redesigned alignment system, updated implant holders, and trial tools for better handling, as well as refinements to minimise surgical steps and set-up duration. Stryker Foot & Ankle business general manager and vice-president Adam Jacobs said: 'Incompass reflects our commitment to redefining what's possible in total ankle replacement. 'By building on decades of clinical experience and leveraging extensive data insights, we're setting a new standard—one that empowers surgeons to deliver more personalised care with greater efficiency and confidence.' Stryker provides products across various medical sectors, including MedSurg, neurotechnology, and orthopaedics. In February this year, the company acquired Inari Medical for a total equity value of nearly $4.9bn, marking a significant expansion into the venous thromboembolism (VTE) market. "FDA grants 510(k) clearance to Stryker's total ankle system" was originally created and published by Medical Device Network, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
CNET
19-06-2025
- Health
- CNET
Orthopedic Doctors Evaluate if Biological Age TikTok Challenges Are the Real Deal
If you've scrolled through TikTok or Instagram, you've probably seen fitness challenges focused on your biological age. In some cases, it's funny to see people attempting these challenges or impressive to see them succeed. You've probably felt inspired to try out some of these challenges and even questioned their legitimacy. 'Most of these challenges, like completing 11 consecutive push-ups (for women), doing pull-ups or performing a kneeling-to-squat jump, are quick screens of muscular strength and functional movement ability,' said Dr. Andrew Jimenez, an assistant professor of sports medicine and hip preservation at Yale's department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation. I'm in my late 30s and I like remaining active. I know exercise is important for aging well and maintaining independence as we age. But should I be able to do over a dozen pull-ups, or is that a sign that I need to work on my fitness abilities? I spoke to orthopedic doctors to break down the truth behind biological aging tests and the best way to determine how well you're aging. What is biological age? Getty/Milan Markovic We know our current age is something we can't control, but our biological age refers to how our body is aging based on biomarkers like our heart function, bone density, skin elasticity and more. In other words, you could be biologically older or younger than your actual age, depending on how well you take care of your health. The same applies to your fitness abilities as you age. The reason people focus on the ability to do certain physical activities is because as we get older, we lose lean muscle mass, which makes these things harder. Dr. Aaron Casp, an orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine and advisor for Rally, points out that most of the trends we see are loosely determined by population-based data showing what the average person of a certain age is physically capable of. 'An explosive movement from kneeling to a squat requires a certain amount of strength, core stability, flexibility and body control that the majority of 40-year-olds just don't have anymore,' he said. Are these age tests legitimate? One of the viral challenges that has been going around says that women should be able to do 11 consecutive push-ups. This concept stems from an interview with orthopedic surgeon and longevity expert Vonda Wright, MD, on the Mel Robbins podcast. 'While there is a 2019 study in JAMA Network Open demonstrating that healthy men who had higher push-up capacity had decreased risk of cardiovascular events, this specific number is essentially hearsay without great data behind it,' said Casp. The push-up in general is an excellent exercise because it requires upper body muscle, core strength, pelvic floor and shoulder stability. 'Women generally have less upper body strength than men, so focusing on a particular number of push-ups is a good way to ensure that people are prioritizing functional movements,' Casp added. Casp points out that these trends are all quick-hit versions that try to approximate a much more complex calculation that's based on many more factors. 'For a more rigorous evaluation, performance labs and athletic training facilities can test your VO2 max, which is a much more strenuous test of your aerobic capacity and cardiovascular fitness,' he said. Jimenez agreed, saying, 'These trends may reflect certain aspects of strength or power, but true assessment of physical fitness and biological age requires a multidimensional approach.' An accurate way of testing your biological age is having the following factors assessed: cardiorespiratory fitness, body composition, muscular strength, endurance, flexibility and balance. If you're pregnant or newly postpartum, there are other variables that can affect your fitness abilities. 'We know that exercise during these periods [pregnancy and postpartum] improves stress and anxiety, as well as health outcomes, but the physiologic changes in each woman are different and tolerance for exercise may vary significantly,' Casp explained. Jimenez points out that you can't compare someone who is postpartum to others. 'A woman who is six months postpartum may not be fairly compared to a non-pregnant peer since most formal fitness norms exclude pregnant/postpartum data,' he said. Not to mention, the postpartum period consists of hormone changes that can make it difficult to gain muscle, lose fat or increase cardiovascular fitness the way you might want to. During perimenopause and menopause, exercise will look different per individual as well. 'Menopause and perimenopause are on the other end of the spectrum of changes when lean body mass decreases, metabolism slows and bone density decreases,' Casp points out. In this case, weight-bearing exercises are partially protective against these changes, but he notes that each person's fitness journey in this period of life may look drastically different. What you can do to age healthily Getty/PeopleImages Instead of getting caught up on social media challenges or similar trends, Jimenez recommends staying active: 'Successful aging is associated with consistent physical activity, avoidance of prolonged sedentary behavior and individualized exercise programs.' Casp said he likes to focus on these factors: A well-rounded exercise routine: Workouts that include cardiovascular exercise and resistance strength training. Recovery: As we get older, recovery becomes even more important for seeing those fitness results you want. A regular stretching routine: To keep you limber and reduce muscle stiffness, improve blood circulation. Good sleep hygiene: A consistent sleep schedule that guarantees you're well rested and getting 7 to 8 hours of sleep a night. Body work: This includes mobility and targeted muscle attention for focusing on warm-up and recovery. How to test your biological fitness age at home Getty/Antonio Garcia Recena As you can tell, finding out your biological age is more complex than some sound bites and recommendations found on social media. But if you want to evaluate how well you're aging for fun at home, some tests you can try out include: Mayo Clinic fitness assessment The Mayo Clinic fitness assessment follows age-specific charts that assess a 1.5-mile jog, your waist circumference, BMI, push-up counts and more. 'All of these have some amount of data for how you stack up among your age-matched peers,' said Casp. Age-specific fitness tests According to Jimenez, these tests are commonly used in clinical and research settings to assess age-related fitness: 'These tests have established normative values by age and sex, allowing for comparison to population standards and estimation of fitness age,' said Jimenez. He acknowledges that social media trends are fun especially if they can motivate people to be active and improve physical fitness. But remember that they're just meant to be that -- fun. 'Ultimately, biological age is a multifactor calculation that extends beyond a single viral benchmark,' Jimenez said. 'The best way to make sure you're as fit as possible is to exercise regularly, incorporate strength training and try to maintain a healthy body weight,' said Casp.
