534 MEP020 – The developed elastomeric knee brace is more effective compared to the functional knee brace, for stabilizing ACL-deficient knees

AbstractBackground After ACL injuries, some patients are followed up conservatively. Thus, we developed an elastomeric knee brace for the prevention of giving way using anatomical ACL straps with an additional effective initial tension.The brace without metal hinges does not inhibit flexion and extension of the knee joint and may be used in contact sports. It has been confirmed that the use of the brace does not conflict with the International Judo Federation's regulations.Objective To verify the restraint force of the elastomeric brace against the anterior displacement and internal rotation compared with a functional knee brace using a knee model.Design Research and Development.Setting/Patients There is no subject set up.Interventions The elastomeric brace is made of thermoplastic styrene elastomer (hardness 30°, thickness 5mm).The elastomeric brace consists of thigh cuffs, lower leg cuffs, spiral straps, and double inner and outer anatomical ACL straps from thigh to leg, and is made of only elastic materials.For a functional brace, DJO 4TITUDE was used. Main Outcome Measurements 20mm anterior displacement was performed using the tensile testing machine directly connected to a knee model for 5 times×5 sets. 15°Internal rotation was performed using the torque machine(30 deg/s) connected to the knee model for 5 times × 5 sets.Results The mean values of the restraint force (elastomeric brace/functional brace(N)) for anterior displacement were 10mm (184.8±12.4/62,2±20.6),20mm(241.8±11,9/147.4±9.1),Restraint forces for internal rotation (elastomeric brace/functional brace(Nm)) were 5°(4.06±0.07/0.48±0.07), 10°(6.24±0.07/1.65±0.41). Restraint forces of the elastomeric brace were higher for all displacements and angles (p<0.05).Conclusion The elastomeric knee brace consistently exhibited higher restraint force against the anterior drawer and internal rotation of the knee model.Therefore, the elastomeric knee brace could prevent giving way in patients with ACL-deficient knees effectively.