Are Tri-compartment Offloader (TCO) Knee Braces Effective for Knee Arthritis?

Introduction

Knee arthritis is one of the leading causes of mobility loss in adults, especially when all three compartments of the knee — medial, lateral, and patellofemoral — are affected. If you’ve been told you have tricompartmental osteoarthritis, a traditional offloader brace may not be enough.

Enter the tri-compartment offloader (TCO) knee brace: a specialized solution engineered to relieve pressure in all areas of the knee joint. But does it really work?

Let’s explore what the research says and how this innovative brace can help you regain comfort and confidence.

What Is a Tri-compartment Offloader (TCO) Knee Braces?

Unlike traditional knee braces that support only one compartment (usually the medial side), a TCO brace is designed to:

• Reduce contact force across all three compartments

• Improve stability during walking, bending, and standing

• Address patellofemoral and tibiofemoral joint degeneratio

💡 Learn more in our FAQ on TCO Knee Braces for answers to common questions.

Backed by Biomechanical Research

Recent studies, including Bishop et al. (2023), have shown that tri-compartment offloader braces can significantly reduce stress on the knee joint:

• Up to 30-50% unloading in each compartment during deep knee bends

• Reduced muscle strain on the quadriceps

• Improved walking mechanics with long-term use

These findings are particularly promising for those with advanced arthritis who aren’t ready for surgery or want a non-invasive solution.

Who Can Benefit?

Tri-compartment offloader braces are ideal for:

• Patients with tricompartmental osteoarthritis

• Those with chronic patellofemoral pain

• People seeking FSA/HSA-eligible conservative treatments

• Anyone needing greater mobility without surgical intervention

Choosing the Right Brace

If you're looking for a clinically backed, high-quality brace, the BCI Offloader TCO Knee Brace stands out for its:

• Dual hinge design

• Adjustable compression zones

• FDA-listed support for all-day comfort

It’s trusted by healthcare providers and available for direct purchase with FSA/HSA eligibility.

Final Thoughts

Tri-compartment offloader braces are more than just a knee wrap — they’re a biomechanical solution tailored for complex arthritis cases. If you suffer from pain in multiple areas of the knee, this could be your best non-surgical path forward.

Want to see if a TCO knee brace is right for you?

👉 Visit our FAQ or explore the BCI Offloader TCO Knee Brace now.