Recently, I've had a great deal of questions regarding the difference between off-the-shelf and custom CTi knee braces. I'll do my best to clarify the differences and the specific applications for both styles (for sledders).
CTi braces are available as an OTS brace or Custom brace. The indications for either style of brace is: ACL, MCL, LCL, PCL, rotary and combined instabilities. So, either style can be used for ligament problems such as a sprain, tear, or "laxity" of a ligament after an injury.
Both the OTS and Custom CTi braces are made by hand-laminated carbon fiber frame, thereby supplying a rigid frame of support to your wobbly knee.
Both the OTS and Custom styles utilize the anatomically correct Accutrac hinge, which is CTi's proprietary hinge.
Both have Sensil padding to help keep the braces from sliding down the leg.
The main difference is in fit. The off-the-shelf brace is generic as far as fit goes. Therefore, if your knee is generic in shape, the OTS may work. However, if you have any surgical hardware, or if the angles of your hip through the knee (Q-angle) is varus (bull legged) or valgus (knock kneed) are outside typical alignment, or if your thighs are muscular/thin relative to your calf girth, custom is the best choice.
In my practice, we probably do 40 to 1, of custom to OTS. Most people want custom just due to the feel and specific needs and protective qualities offered by custom fit.
Check out www.ossur.com and Action Sports Clinic
I hope that helps!
Dr. Shawn
CTi braces are available as an OTS brace or Custom brace. The indications for either style of brace is: ACL, MCL, LCL, PCL, rotary and combined instabilities. So, either style can be used for ligament problems such as a sprain, tear, or "laxity" of a ligament after an injury.
Both the OTS and Custom CTi braces are made by hand-laminated carbon fiber frame, thereby supplying a rigid frame of support to your wobbly knee.
Both the OTS and Custom styles utilize the anatomically correct Accutrac hinge, which is CTi's proprietary hinge.
Both have Sensil padding to help keep the braces from sliding down the leg.
The main difference is in fit. The off-the-shelf brace is generic as far as fit goes. Therefore, if your knee is generic in shape, the OTS may work. However, if you have any surgical hardware, or if the angles of your hip through the knee (Q-angle) is varus (bull legged) or valgus (knock kneed) are outside typical alignment, or if your thighs are muscular/thin relative to your calf girth, custom is the best choice.
In my practice, we probably do 40 to 1, of custom to OTS. Most people want custom just due to the feel and specific needs and protective qualities offered by custom fit.
Check out www.ossur.com and Action Sports Clinic
I hope that helps!
Dr. Shawn
