THE EFFECT OF A PNEUMATIC LEG BRACE ON RETURN TO PLAY IN ATHLETES WITH TIBIAL STRESS-FRACTURES

A total of 18 competitive and recreational athletes were enrolled in a randomized, prospective study looking at the effect of pneumatic leg braces on the time to return to full activity after a tibial stress fr acture. All patients had positive bone scans and 15 had positive radio graphic findings by Week 12. There were two treatment groups. The trad itional treatment group was treated with rest and, after 3 pain-free d ays, a gradual return to activity. The pneumatic leg brace (Aircast) g roup had the brace applied to the affected leg and then followed the s ame return to activity guidelines. The guidelines consisted of a detai led functional progression that allowed pain-free return to play. The brace group was able to resume light activity in 7 days (median) and t he traditional group began light activity in 21 days (median). The bra ce group returned to full, unrestricted activity in 21 +/- 2 days, and the traditional group required 77 +/- 7 days to resume full activity. The Aircast pneumatic brace is effective in allowing athletes with ti bial stress fractures to return to full, unrestricted, pain-free activ ity significantly sooner than traditional treatment.