Bledsoe Thruster RLF Arthritis Knee Brace

~~$735.95~~ $695.95

Bledsoe Brace Systems

Model: Bledsoe Thruster

Bledsoe Thruster 3 features a single hinge design.
Hinge is on the same side as the affected compartment.
Imparts up to 38 degrees of thrust.
Very paddedin the thigh and leg.
Friendly overcenter buckles are easy to use.

Bledsoe Thruster

The Bledsoe Thruster RLF arthritis knee brace uses muscle power to place a medially or laterally directed force against the knee during terminal extension to help relieve pain for moderate to severe single compartment osteoarthritis. Unlike other arthritis knee brace products the Bledsoe Thruster hinge is designed to impart up to 38 degrees of thrust compared to a typical design allowing between 3-10 degrees of varus/valgus thrust. This arthritis knee brace has comfortable padding underneath the frame making it ideal for wearing underneath clothing, and the calf strap has an enhanced tackiness enabling the calf strap to remain in place around the calf thus preventing any brace slippage. The hinge is also set more posteriorly than the original model to reduce rotation of the brace that occurs with the increase of the varus/valgus unloading affect on the knee. The overcenter buckles are similar to those found in ski boots - the easiest to operate. The Bledsoe Thruster has an easy adjustment dial (pictured below) for pain relief. Just push in and turn the dial, with the leg in a bent knee position. The patient can increase or decrease the the hinge effect by simply turning the dial. Bledsoe is proudly made in the USA! For mild to moderate osteoarthritis please see the Bledsoe Aligner.

In a recent 2005 research study comparing different medial unloader products, the Bledsoe Thruster RLF was found to unload the medial compartment the greatest amount during the stance phase of an individual's walk where the most compression of joint surfaces takes place.

Bledsoe Thruster Features:

FREE GROUND SHIPPING in the continental 48 states!
Bledsoe Thruster RLF OA Knee Braces actually change their side angle and thrust force with knee motion. This allows much greater side angle thrust (up to 38 degrees) than fixed angle adjustment designs. In tests, the Thruster opened the damaged knee compartment in over 78% of patients and relieved pain in an even higher percentage.
The new strap saddle maximizes circumferential support by preventing strap indentation into the soft tissue. This enhances force and keeps the leg coupled to the hinge.
Bledsoe Thruster RLF has an easy adjustment dial (pictured above) for pain relief. Just push in and turn the dial, with the leg in flexion. The patient can adapt the brace immediately to resolve their level of pain. It has a unique new buckle closure system, borrowed from the ski industry...over-center buckles. Some patients have trouble fitting and tightening the straps that make OA braces function. The new overcenter buckle design provides a better fit and requires less effort and hand strength to operate. The buckles also reduce the wear on hook and loop strapping.
The unique arthritis knee brace design eliminates the rolling of the brace that is common in other brace designs during flexion of the knee.
Fixed angle designs are limited to about 7-10 degrees of additional varus or valgus adjustment before they roll out of position. The Thruster RLF uses a slightly shorter upright/shell to reduce weight while allowing some flex to enhance thrust and eliminate point pressure without the need for heavier spring-loaded hinges.

Available Models:

Thruster RLF Medial: Relieves pain on the inside aspect of the knee (medial compartment).
Thruster RLF Lateral: Relieves pain on the outside aspect of the knee (lateral compartment).

Indications:

Medial or Lateral Unicompartmental Osteoarthritis
Delaying osteotomy or total joint procedures.
To increase daily walking time while increasing activities.
To aid in slowing the progression of the condition.
Post-operative or post-injury applications following lateral and postero-lateral injuries to the connective tissues of the knee to help relieve stress on these healing structures.

Available Sizes: Measure the leg circumference 6" (15 cm) above and below the mid-patella. Specify left or right when ordering. Choose the appropriate size as follows:

Size

Unisex Thigh

Mens Calf

Womens Calf

(XS)
15.0 - 17.5" or 38.1 - 44.5cm 12.0 - 13.5" or 30.5 - 34.3cm 10.5 - 12.0" or 26.7 - 30.5cm

(Small)
17.5 - 20.0" or 44.5 - 50.8cm 13.5 - 15.0" or 34.3 - 38.1cm 12.0 - 13.5" or 30.5 - 34.3cm

(Medium)
20.0 - 22.5" or 50.8 - 57.2cm 15.0 - 16.5" or 38.1 - 41.9cm 13.5 - 15.0" or 34.3 - 38.1cm

(Large) 22.5 - 25.0" or 57.2 - 63.5cm 16.5 - 18.0" or 41.9 - 45.7cm 15.0 - 16.5" or 38.1 - 41.9cm

(XL) 25.0 - 27.5" or 63.5 - 69.9cm 18.0 - 19.5" or 45.7 - 49.5cm 16.5 - 18.0" or 41.9 - 45.7cm

(XXL) 27.5 - 29.0" or 69.9 - 73.7cm 19.5 - 21.0" or 49.5 - 53.3cm 18.0 - 19.5" or 45.7 - 49.5cm

(XXXL) 29.0 - 31.0" or 73.7 - 78.7cm 21.0 - 22.5" or 53.3 - 57.2cm 19.5 - 21.0" or 49.5 - 53.3cm

Next, find the version based on your height & sex, as follows:

Medial Left Medial Right Lateral Left Lateral Right

Standard: unisex (Men & Women), 5'6" & taller TA0091 TA0092 TA0081 TA0082

Men Short: 5'5" (165cm) or less TA0191 TA0192 TA0181 TA0182

Women Short: 5'5" (165cm) or less TA0291 TA0292 TA0281 TA0282