Extract
Question: Is functional bracing more effective than nonbracing after
anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction in patients with a high level
of physical activity?Design: Randomized (allocation not concealed), unblinded, controlled
trial with a mean 29-month follow-up.Setting: 3 United States military academies.Patients: 100 cadets and midshipmen with ACL injury, no previous
knee injury to the affected knee, no significant chondral injury, no grade-III
posterior cruciate or collateral ligament injuries, no serious meniscal
injury, surgical reconstruction within 8 weeks of injury, and available for
follow-up for =2 years.