Method: Sixty patients with knee osteoarthritis were enrolled and divided into the control (n=30) and wedge (n=30) groups. The control group received only conventional therapy for 5 weeks, while the wedge group took lateral wedges with 4 mm height in additional to the same conventional therapy. Intensity of pain and funtional activity were assessed by Western Ontario and Mac-Master Universities Osteoarthritis index (WOMAC index) and Lequesne´s index. Scanogram was measured to assess femorotibial angle change. WOMAC index, Lequesne's index and scanogram were measured before and 6 months after the therapy.

Results: For the wedge group, WOMAC index and Lequesne's index were significantly lower at the six month follow up compared to the initial indices (p＜0.05). The femorotibial angle showed no significant change in both groups.

Conclusion: Lateral heel and sole wedges can be used as an effective therapeutic modality for long term management of knee osteoarthritis in combination with conventional therapy. (J Korean Acad Rehab Med 2003; 27: 946-951)

Keywords :Latreal heel and sole wedges, Western Ontario and Mac-Master universities