The anterior cruciate ligament is one of the four major ligaments of the knee joint. It connects the femur (thigh bone) to the tibia (shinbone) and runs diagonally across the knee joint. The ACL helps stabilize the knee during twisting and rotating knee movements.
An anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear is the most common injury seen in athletes. ACL tears may require surgical treatment to reconstruct the torn ligament. After an ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) surgery, the reconstructed ligament will take some time to heal.
During this period, some orthopedic surgeons may recommend the use of knee braces. These are protective gears that support the operated knee. Generally, patients who return to high-level sports within a year of surgery use a knee brace. ACL braces are a great way to provide extra support and stability to the knee joint and prevent further injury.
When using a knee brace after an ACL reconstruction surgery, the most important factor is to ensure that the brace fits you properly. Your surgeon and physical therapist will guide you about how to check for the correct fit of a knee brace. Here are some points to note about a knee brace usage:
ACL surgery is performed to repair the ligament tear by removing the damaged remnants of the ligament and replacing them with a graft (either from your body or from a deceased donor). As your knee joint bears most of your body weight, it needs sufficient support as your joint heals post-surgery. For this purpose, your orthopedic surgeon may recommend you wear a knee brace as a part of your recovery and rehabilitation program.
A knee brace is generally worn for 6 to 9 weeks post-ACL reconstruction surgery. A knee brace should be removed while sleeping and during physical therapy exercises. Once your quadriceps muscles (group of muscles present in front of your thigh) become capable of protecting your knee, you will be recommended to stop wearing the knee brace.
There are 3 main reasons you may need an ACL brace:
After ACL reconstruction surgery, you will be advised to wear a knee brace. Various studies were conducted about the requirement of a knee brace after surgery, but the results remained inconclusive. Hence, the surgeon must decide whether you require a knee brace after the surgery. Let’s discuss the pros (advantages) and cons (disadvantages) of wearing a knee brace after surgery.
Pros:
Cons:
After an ACL reconstruction surgery, your orthopedic surgeon recommends wearing a knee brace 6 to 9 weeks post-surgery. This is a period when your graft is vulnerable and healing. Any force on your operated knee which cannot be tolerated may cause the graft to rupture. Wearing a knee brace protects the graft while healing. It also helps to control the range of motion of your knee, thereby decreasing the excessive forces that reach the graft.
It is recommended that the braces are worn during exercise, sports, and distance walking. They may not be worn while you sleep, but if the patient gets up frequently during the night, s/he may choose to wear the knee braces even during sleep.
A knee brace may not always be necessary after ACL surgery. Multiple comparative studies showed no significant differences between the two groups – one advised to use knee braces, and the other did not wear knee braces post-surgery. Hence, whether you require a knee brace after your ACL repair depends on your orthopedic surgeon and your opinions, which are based on your unique knee anatomy, lifestyle, age, and daily activities.
For decades, orthopedic surgeons have recommended knee braces to their patients following ACL reconstruction surgery. They aid in protecting the graft tendon, enhancing the knee joint stability, and protecting it from further injuries and trauma. However, research indicates that they may not be necessary post-surgery.
You can reach out to our team at Medfin for any queries on ACL surgery and the use of knee braces. Our expert team of Orthopaedists in bangalore can guide you on the right treatment measures for your concern.
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