COMPARISON OF FUNCTIONAL KNEE BRACES FOR CONTROL OF ANTERIOR TIBIAL DISPLACEMENT

Using a surrogate knee model, the ten custom functional knee braces th at previous studies had shown to be most effective were tested for res traint to anterior tibial displacement. Testing was performed at 20 de grees knee flexion with applied forces ranging from 50 to 400 N. All b races reduced anterior tibial displacement. Resistance to anterior tib ial displacement depends directly on the brace design and is inversely related to the applied force. Postbilateral hinge shell braces exhibi ted the most resistance to anterior tibial displacement. Few braces we re effective in controlling anterior tibial displacement comparable wi th a normal knee at low forces. Most of the braces were less effective at controlling anterior tibial displacement at high forces.