Introduction: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the current literature on the use of functional knee braces after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction with respect to clinical and in vivo biomechanical data.
Methods: A systematic search of both the PubMed and Embase databases was performed to identify all studies that reported clinical and/or in vivo biomechanical results of functional bracing versus nonbracing after ACL reconstruction. Extracted data included study design, surgical reconstruction techniques, postoperative rehabilitation protocols, objective outcomes, and subjective outcomes scores. The in vivo biomechanical data collected included kinematics, strength, function, and proprioception. Subjective clinical outcomes scores were collected when available. Quality appraisal analyses were performed using the Cochrane Collaboration tools for randomized and nonrandomized trials to aid in data interpretation.
Results: Fifteen studies met the selection criteria (including 3 randomized trials [level II], 11 nonrandomized trials [level II], and 1 retrospective comparative study [level III]), with follow-up intervals ranging from 3 to 48 months. Most studies were designed to compare the effects of functional bracing versus nonbracing on subjective and objective results in patients who underwent previous primary ACL reconstruction. Functional bracing significantly improved kinematics of the knee joint and improved gait kinetics, although functional bracing may decrease quadriceps activation without affecting functional tests, range of motion, and proprioception. Four studies reported no differences in subjective outcomes scores with brace use; however, one study reported increased patient confidence with brace use, whereas another study reported decreased pain and quicker return to work when the brace was not used.
Conclusions: The effectiveness of postoperative functional bracing following ACL reconstruction remains elusive. Some data suggest that functional bracing may have some benefit with regard to in vivo knee kinematics and may offer increased protection of the implanted graft after ACL reconstruction without sacrificing function, range of motion, or proprioception. However, limited evidence exists supporting the use of routine functional bracing to decrease the rate of reinjury after ACL reconstruction.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.5435/JAAOS-D-15-00710 | DOI Listing |
Zhongguo Gu Shang
January 2025
Department of Orthopaedics, Fudan University Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital Wusong Hospital, Shanghai 200940, China.
Objective: To analyze the clinical efficacy and safety of microsurgery in patients with Gustilo ⅢC open fractures.
Methods: A total of 64 patients with Gustilo ⅢC open fractures who were admitted to the hospital bewteen September 2018 and March 2022 were included, and divided into the observation group and the control group, with 32 cases in each one. In the observation group, there were 24 males and 8 females, aged from 29 to 42 years with an average of (36.
J Funct Morphol Kinesiol
January 2025
Department of Geriatrics and Medical Gerontology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 13347 Berlin, Germany.
: Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is prevalent among older adults and leads to significant functional limitations and reduced quality of life. Segmental stabilization exercises (SSEs) are commonly used to treat CLBP, but the selective activation of deep abdominal muscles during these exercises can be challenging for patients. To support muscle activation, physiotherapists use biofeedback methods such as palpation and ultrasound imaging.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJ Sci Med Sport
January 2025
Department of Mathematics & Statistics, University of Otago, New Zealand.
Objectives: Knee braces were introduced to sports 30 years ago. However, knee brace use for non-contact anterior cruciate ligament injury prevention intervention remains contentious due to concerns about performance hindrances. Since knee brace use is a potential modifiable risk factor, we aimed to investigate the effect of discounting and continued functional knee brace (FKB) on lower extremity power-vertical jump (VJ), acceleration, speed, and agility performance.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBiophys Rev
December 2024
Evolutionary Bioinformatics Laboratory, Department of Crop Sciences and Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801 USA.
Protein loops and structural domains are building blocks of molecular structure. They hold evolutionary memory and are largely responsible for the many functions and processes that drive the living world. Here, we briefly review two decades of phylogenomic data-driven research focusing on the emergence and evolution of these elemental architects of protein structure.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPLoS One
January 2025
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States of America.
Knee exoskeletons have been developed to assist, stabilize, or improve human movement or recovery. However, exoskeleton designers must implement transparency (i.e.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFEnter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!