Evaluation of the Preventive Effects of Knee Brace on Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries in Susceptible Individuals: a Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: The results of various studies on the preventive effect of knee brace on anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in susceptible individuals are not summarized thus far, leading to doubts about their utilization for orthopedic specialists. The present study aimed at systematically reviewing the preventive effects of knee brace on ACL injuries in susceptible individuals.Methods: The present systematic review was performed on literature published since 2010 using the keywords of Prophylactic Knee Brace, Neoprene Knee Sleeve, Knee Brace, ACL, Tear Risk Factors, and Biomechanical Factors in databases of PubMed, Scopus, Springer, and ProQuest, as well as the Google Scholar search engine. The I2 index was used to assess heterogeneity among studies.Results: A total of 8 high-quality articles were enrolled in the present systematic review, all represented moderate heterogeneity (I2 index: 25%-75%). Of the enrolled studies, only one reported the ineffectiveness of knee brace in preventing ACL injuries, and the rest noticed the positive effect.Conclusion: The use of a prophylactic knee brace in individuals susceptible to ACL rupture can avoid sustaining pressure and possible damage to the knee and ACL. However, the results of the present study should be applied with caution.