We assessed the relative restraints that are provided by fourteen
currently available functional knee-braces, using six limbs in cadavera.
The tests were made at 30 and 60 degrees of flexion of the knee, and a
mechanical loading system applied loads that caused anterior-posterior
translation and internal-external rotation. The braces limited abnormal
tibiofemoral displacements by 10 to 75 per cent in translation; there was
more variation in rotation. This study demonstrated that functional
knee-braces provide a restraining influence that may be beneficial in the
control of abnormal displacements of the knee, but that the degree of
restraint varies considerably.