Functional Anterior Cruciate Ligament Bracing: A Survey of Current Brace Prescription Patterns

ABSTRACT

This study surveyed orthopaedic surgeons regarding anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) bracing practices. Surveys were mailed to 1,194 AOSSM members. Return rate was 24% (287). Descriptive analysis revealed that 12.8% of doctors never brace reconstructed patients (R), while only 2.8% never brace deficient patients (D). Doctors prescribe off-the-shelf braces more frequently for D than R (p=0.000). Half reported bracing less frequently than 5 years ago. The wide range of responses reflects the lack of scientific basis for bracing decisions. We encourage continued research efforts. In the interim, the physician’s clinical judgment continues to provide the basis for bracing decisions.

2003 Swartz EE, Russell PJ, Decoster LC, Croce RV: Non-Contact Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries in Females: The Effects of Gender and Developmental Stage on Landing Biomechanics (Abstract). J Athletic Training, Vol 38, Suppl