Brace or no-brace after ACL graft? Four-year results of a prospective clinical trial

Purpose A controversial discussion is held on using stabilizing knee braces after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery. The current study investigated the influence of a stabilizing knee brace on results after ACL reconstruction using patellar tendon autografts. Methods A prospective randomized study was started including 64 patients divided into two equal groups and treated with or without a stabilizing knee brace for 6 weeks post-operatively. A follow-up examination 4 years after operation comprised IKDC 2000, KT1000 measurement, a visual analogue pain scale (VAS; scores 0–10) and radiographic evaluation. The t test for independent and paired samples and the Pearson’s Chi-square test were used for statistical analysis ( p