ACL Brace Instructions

The anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, is a stabilizer of the knee joint. It is most commonly injured when the foot is planted on the ground and the knee is twisted. If the force is high enough, the ACL will tear. This injury requires surgical reconstruction and a cadaver tendon is frequently used. After surgery, a knee immobilizer must be worn for one or more weeks as instructed by the surgeon to allow the repair to scar in and gain strength.

Instructions

• 1

  Open the straps of the brace and lay it out flat, next to your leg with the inside of the brace facing up.

• 2

  Using your arms for support, lift your leg and lay it on top of the brace. Slide the brace to align the knee opening with the level of your kneecap.

• 3

  Wrap the sides of the brace around your leg and loosely fasten the Velcro straps. Adjust the position of the brace up or down so that the hinges of the brace are level with the middle of your knee joint.

• 4

  Tighten the straps so that you can fit one or two fingers between your leg and the brace. If the brace is too tight blood flow can be compromised. If it is too loose the brace will slip down when you stand up.