Bracing Applications

Bracing is a commonly employed strategy in the management of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. The use of braces is primarily aimed at providing stability, controlling motion, and preventing further damage to the ACL and surrounding structures. The application of bracing can vary depending on the stage of injury or treatment, ranging from immediate post-injury care to post-surgical recovery and rehabilitation. Following surgery, range of motion braces can be used to reduce pain, immobilize the joint and/or limit range of motion. Functional bracing (i.e. custom ACL braces) can also help prevent future re-injury, both in patients treated conservatively and in individuals rehabilitating from surgery and getting ready to return to sport.

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint condition characterized by the breakdown and loss of articular cartilage, leading to pain, stiffness, and impaired function. Bracing is one of the conservative treatment options employed for managing symptoms and improving the functional capacity of the affected knee. The objective of using a brace is to offer mechanical support, redistribute the load away from the affected areas, and improve joint alignment, thereby reducing pain and enhancing mobility. Bracing can serve as a valuable tool in the management of knee osteoarthritis. The American College of Rheumatology and the Arthritis Foundation included bracing in it guidelines for the management of knee osteoarthritis.

Hip osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition characterized by the progressive loss of cartilage in the hip joint, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion, and seriously impacts quality of life. Additionally, people with hip OA often have alterations in their gait, including reduced walking speed, step length and cadence. In addition, people with mild to moderate hip OA have impairments in posture control. One aspect of conservative treatment strategies is the use of braces. In addition, patients were able to increase walking distance and functional capacity was increased without negative effects on pain perception. Moreover, long term brace usage may further increase positive effects on functional capacity. Hip unloader bracing has a positive effect on hip osteoarthritis symptoms and function.