A Slim-Fit Knee Brace for Young Adults With a Symptomatic Knee Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Feasibility Randomized Controlled Trial.
Matthew Savage, Benjamin F Mentiplay, Andrea M Bruder et al.
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In 30 seconds
This 6-week feasibility randomized controlled trial assessed a slim-fit knee brace in young adults aged 18–45 with a symptomatic knee 1–8 years after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Twenty-one participants were randomized 2:1 to brace use or no brace. Recruitment and retention targets were met, supporting the feasibility of a larger trial, but brace adherence averaged at least 1 hour per day on 43% of days. The brace showed potential benefits in hop performance and most Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score subscales, but not kinesiophobia; these findings warrant further evaluation rather than establishing efficacy.
Key findings
- Of 48 screened, 24 (50%) were eligible and 21 (88%) enrolled; one control participant was lost to follow-up (5% dropout).
- Brace adherence averaged ≥1 hour per day on 43% of days, with participant adherence ranging from 0%-78%.
- The brace showed potential worthwhile effects on hop performance and most Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score subscales, but not kinesiophobia.
- Brace-group events included 2 serious and 3 minor unrelated adverse events and 6 minor skin-related events; control participants had 2 minor events.
Why it matters
Symptoms and early-onset osteoarthritis can occur after ACL reconstruction, while treatment evidence is limited. This feasibility study suggests that a larger trial of a brace is practicable and identifies adherence as an issue to address. Its preliminary functional signals may justify further study, but the trial was not designed to establish definitive treatment benefit.
What to keep in mind
This was a small, 6-week feasibility trial; adherence was limited, and the reported functional benefits are preliminary rather than definitive evidence of efficacy.