Functional testing of braces for anterior cruciate ligament-deficient knees

Previous studies into the efficacy of bracing anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)-deficient knees have lacked objective functional testing. In this study of function the authors compare the effectiveness of three custom-made and three off-the-shelf braces in stabilizing symptomatic, unilateral, chronic, non-reconstructed, ACL-deficient knees. Ten subjects randomly performed six functional tests with each of the six test braces. Knee function was evaluated both objectively and subjectively. Two customized functional braces (Generation II Polyaxial Knee Cage and Lenox Hill Derotation Brace) provided the most objective improvement during ACL-dependent activities and also the most subjective stability. Laterally hinged braces were as effective as the more commonly used double-hinged models. Based on this study, the authors recommend the use of laterally hinged customized functional braces in the nonoperative treatment of the symptomatic ACL-deficient knee.