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J Knee Surg 2022; 35(03): 255-265
DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1742304
Special Focus Section

The Role of Bracing in ACL Injuries: The Current Evidentiary State of Play

Richard Ma 
1   Thompson Laboratory for Regenerative Orthopaedics, Missouri Orthopaedic Institute, University of Missouri – Columbia, Columbia, Missouri
,
Chirag Sheth
1   Thompson Laboratory for Regenerative Orthopaedics, Missouri Orthopaedic Institute, University of Missouri – Columbia, Columbia, Missouri
,
Blake Fenkell
1   Thompson Laboratory for Regenerative Orthopaedics, Missouri Orthopaedic Institute, University of Missouri – Columbia, Columbia, Missouri
,
Abdul Fettah Buyuk
1   Thompson Laboratory for Regenerative Orthopaedics, Missouri Orthopaedic Institute, University of Missouri – Columbia, Columbia, Missouri
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Abstract

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries and surgeries are both increasing in incidence. A notable rate of reinjury and failure does occur after ACL surgery. As a result, interventions that may reduce ACL injury or reinjury are needed and are active areas of innovation. Knee bracing as a strategy to either prevent primary ACL injury, reduce reinjury, or failure after ACL surgery is common. The evidence for bracing around ACL injuries is not straightforward. Clinicians therefore need to understand the relevant literature on bracing around ACL injuries to make personalized decisions for individuals who may be at risk for ACL injury. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview on bracing for ACL injuries and summarize the current available clinical evidence for its use in ACL injuries.

Keywords

ACL brace - functional knee brace - prophylactic knee brace


Publication History

Received: 08 December 2021

Accepted: 13 December 2021

Article published online:
27 January 2022

© 2022. Thieme. All rights reserved.

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333 Seventh Avenue, 18th Floor, New York, NY 10001, USA

 

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