Wilmington, Delaware-based Enovis™ Corporation is launching the very innovative DonJoy® ROAM™ OA knee brace for patients with osteoarthritis (OA) or other knee pain and instability. Its key feature is that it addresses a broader patient population by incorporating a number of innovative technologies and features.
ROAM OA is an “unloader bracing system” meaning that it shifts weight away from a unicompartmental arthritic knee to relieve pain, improve stability and help improve mobility. It is, of course, meant for conservative care, but its innovative design allows it to be an unloader brace for a broader range of patients who seek conservative preop care or postoperative knee protection.
“By the time osteoarthritis patients actually seek medical care, they usually have a significant amount of pain,” said orthopedic surgeon and pro sports team physician Brian J. Cole, M.D. “Braces like the ROAM OA can provide the support and relief patients need to get back to the activities they love, without having surgery.”
ROAM OA Key Innovations:
- “Mag-align” magnetic clips, which more easily align the strap connection points as the patient is putting the brace on, despite, for example, eyesight or dexterity challenges. Again, addressing the needs of a broader patient population.
- “Set-and-Forget” technology which allows patients to put the brace on and off without changing any provider settings.
- BOA® Fit System lets patients easily dial support and pain relief up or down, on demand.
- Slim profile hinge design. Patients can confidently wear it beneath clothing.
- Dynamic strapping and unique condyle harness completely avoids sensitive skin in the popliteal (back of the knee) space, while providing comfortable pressure to activate proprioception on the opposite side of the knee with maximal unloading during extension.
- Anti-migration technology uses soft silicone keeping the brace comfortably in place.
- 2X Cool Technology fibers feel comfortable on the skin by keeping the surface 2 degrees cooler than the environment.
- Unique design fits either left lateral and right medial, or vice versa, in only six SKUs compared to a traditional brace that needs as many as 56 SKUs to achieve the same range of patient fit.
- Additionally, a custom-fabricated brace option addresses challenging fit needs with an optimal height setting, cuff sizing and strap lengths that provide maximum comfort and mitigate migration. Optional extension and flexion control meet each patient’s specific needs.
“This brace is a leap forward in innovation to drive patient comfort and compliance. We use BOA’s patented technology to achieve DonJoy ROAM OA’s ‘Set and Forget’ which allows a provider or patient to set the unloading level just once,” Pamela Hall, VP of Marketing, Enovis Bracing and Supports, told OTW.
“That setting will remain in place until it is actively reset, no matter how many times the user removes and reapplies the brace. Moreover, ROAM OA uses advanced technologies to assist patients who may have limited dexterity or worsening eyesight to achieve an easy application and comfortable fit. Finally, anti-migration, a signature feature of many of our braces, also supports ease of use and comfort ensuring the right fit, the first time. We dedicate our innovation resources to driving better outcomes for our patients.”
