ACL TEAR - Should You Brace? [ Axe Physio ]

Should ACL tears be braced?
After an anterior cruciate ligament injury (ACL) should you have your knee braced or not. The answer depends on your OTHER injuries sustained during an ACL injury. The ACL by itself does not need to be braced if it is ruptured or strained. However, when the medial collateral ligament (MCL), meniscus and or the posterior lateral corner (PLC) is injured it is a different story.
The grade of the injury and the differing structures all have varying levels of importance.
An ACL injury +
1. MCL injuries grade 2 or more should be braced.
2. Some surgeons want severe meniscus injuries to be braced.
3. Most PLC injuries should be braced if there is any laxity.
However much of this is still debated by medical professionals and the context of the patient if they are elite sport or general population plays a role as well.
So WHY don’t we brace everything? Well, if we did this would lead to lots of muscle wasting and loss of function which takes a long while to get back. We should always try to stop muscle wasting wherever possible as loss of muscle mass/strength can severely impact someone’s knee health in the future after ACL injury i.e., osteoarthritic change etc.
So make sure you get a trusted opinion BEFORE you are braced!
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DISCLAIMER: This content (the video, description, links, and comments) is not medical advice or a treatment plan and is intended for general education and demonstration purposes only. This content should not be used to self-diagnose or self-treat any health, medical, or physical condition. Don’t use this content to avoid going to your own healthcare professional or to replace the advice they give you. Consult with your healthcare professional before doing anything contained in this content. Use of this content is at your sole risk; although I am fully qualified Titled Sports & Exercise Physiotherapist but these videos are for educational purposes only. This video should not be considered an individual diagnosis of your condition or a direct rehab pathway for your injury. If you are having persisting issues please consult your closest qualified healthcare professional.