Study Comparing Quadriceps Autograft ACL Reconstruction With and Without Post-Surgical Functional Bracing in Active Patients Aged 14 to 39

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the effects of postoperative functional bracing following quadriceps autograft anterior cruciate ligament ACL reconstruction in younger athletic and military patients. This randomized controlled trial, called the Bracing and Reconstruction of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament for Efficacy trial BRACE-trial, aims to compare psychological readiness, patient-reported outcomes, clinical stability, return to sport, and failure rates over a two-year period. The study addresses the current lack of consensus on the benefits of functional bracing after ACL surgery, especially for high-risk patients. Participants will undergo quadriceps autograft ACL reconstruction and be randomly assigned to one of two groups those who use a post-surgical functional brace DonJoy Defiance Pro and those who do not use any bracing after surgery. This trial monitors patients for two years following surgery to assess various outcomes related to knee function and recovery. During the study, participants will complete several assessments at baseline and at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after surgery. These include psychological readiness to return to sport, knee function scores, pain scales, strength testing, and activity levels. Researchers will also track return to sport, reoperation rates, failure rates, brace compliance, and any complications related to the brace. The total participation duration spans two years to fully evaluate recovery and outcomes.

Bracing and Reconstruction of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament for Efficacy Trial