ACL Bracing

Bracing was first introduced into the world of professional sports back in the 60s. Since then, many variations of the lateral braces that began the trend, including braces for multiple instabilities, single instabilities, and single-sided knee arthritis.

The most effective ACL braces today are those constructed from Carbon fibre, titanium alloy, or aluminum. These rigid frames along with strategic placing of strapping allow us to control the amount of forward and backwards movement occurring in the knee joint (and putting stresses on a partially torn ACL or a surgical repair). The common misconception is that these braces will also limit rotation thru the knee (when somebody had a step and turn mechanism that was responsible for their torn ACL, they are very concerned with controlling the rotation around that joint). Rotational forces would only be able to be controlled with a mechanism that rotates the knee in the opposing direction – which does not exist, and would place unnecessary and unnatural strains thru the knee.

So alas, we’re left with a selection of bracing that, when appropriately selected and professional fitted, will keep the affected knee stable in a forwards/backwards direction during activity.