What anatomical features are critical for fitting a knee orthosis?

The alignment of the femur, tibia, and patella is essential for properly fitting a knee orthosis because these bones are the primary components of the knee joint structure. Ensuring correct alignment allows the orthosis to effectively provide stability and support while maintaining the appropriate range of motion during activities.

The femur and tibia are the primary long bones of the thigh and lower leg that form the knee joint, while the patella, or kneecap, plays a critical role in knee mechanics by increasing the leverage of the quadriceps muscle. When these structures are correctly aligned, the knee orthosis can minimize abnormal movement patterns, reduce stress on the knee joint, and support proper biomechanics, which is vital for rehabilitation and injury prevention.

In contrast, focusing solely on the knee joint would overlook the importance of these connected anatomical features, while considering the entire leg length might not provide adequate insights into the specific dynamics of the knee. Likewise, including only the muscles surrounding the knee would miss the key bony structures that directly impact the function of the orthosis. Thus, the alignment of the femur, tibia, and patella stands out as the most critical anatomical features in the fitting process.