Bracing versus non-bracing after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery

Abstract

Background and objectives: Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction is a common procedure which can allow patients to return to their active lifestyle. Knee braces have been prescribed frequently to protect the anterior cruciate ligament graft after reconstruction. The aim of this study was to see the effect of postoperative bracing with non-bracing after one year follow-up. Methods: Thirty consecutive patients with a unilateral anterior cruciate ligament rupture were reconstructed. The first 15 patients were supplied postoperatively with a knee brace for 6 weeks. The next 15 patients were not supplied with a brace. The follow-up was based on the Lysholm functional score, Tegner activity level, manual Lachman test and pain by visual analog scale, each variable were recorded before surgery, 12 weeks, 24 weeks and one year after the surgery. Results: After one year follow up, the results of this study showed no statistically significant differences between the brace and non-brace groups with regard to Lysholm score (mean with brace was 87.26, with- out brace was 87.80), Tegner activity level (mean with brace was 6.26, without brace was 6.40 ) and manual Lachman test; however, the pain score was less with brace group in the short term follow up (at 12th postoperative week) but no statistically significant differences was found between the groups after 1 year follow up. Conclusions: Weather using functional brace or not after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction depends on the orthopedic surgeon and the psychology and pain threshold of the patient.