Prevention of ligament injuries to the knee.

Disruption of the ligamentous structures of the knee are commonly seen in competitive sports. Factors affecting the rate of injury include the sport, the participant, conditioning and technique, the level of competition, rules enforcement, the type of playing surface, and footwear. The role of prophylactic and functional bracing is controversial. Currently, prophylactic bracing has not been shown, conclusively, to be protective. Functional braces appear to have a capacity to provide some protective effect.