Knee stability in orthotic knee braces.

The ability of six commercially available orthotic knee braces to stabilize ligamentous injuries of the knee was evaluated using fresh cadaver specimens. Anterior, valgus, and rotational forces were applied to the intact knee, after the anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments were cut, and after application of the knee braces. Bony displacement was measured using half pins and an external fixator applied to the tibia and femur. There was a significant difference in brace performance, most likely due to differences in brace design. Of the six braces tested, the 3D 3-Way Brace provided the greatest knee stability.