Does a knee brace decrease recurrent ACL injuries?

Abstract

After surgical anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, knee bracing does not significantly protect against injury during recovery or afterwards (strength of recommendation [SOR]: C, based on expert opinion). In addition, the use of a knee brace following ACL reconstruction does not improve stability or hasten rehabilitation, either immediately or for up to 2 years (SOR: A, based on randomized controlled trials with heterogenous results). Patients wearing a knee brace after ACL reconstruction may report subjective enhanced performance, but measured performance is better without the brace (SOR: B, based on an individual case-control study). We found no information specifically about functional bracing following ACL injuries that have been managed conservatively.