A biomechanical evaluation of taping and bracing in reducing knee joint translation and rotation.

We used five randomly selected cadaver specimens to evaluate the Anderson Knee Stabler and the Lenox Hill Knee Brace, individually and in combination with an anterior cruciate ligament protective tape method. Reduction of total laxity, as well as a defined pathologic anterior-posterior translation and internal-external rotation, was tested after the anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments of the specimens had been sectioned. Displacements were produced pneumatically; loads were applied to the tibia with the knee in 50 degrees of flexion. The tape and Lenox Hill Brace combination showed the greatest reduction in both anterior-posterior translation and internal-external rotation. The Lenox Hill Brace and the tape method used individually both restricted anterior-posterior translation and internal-external rotation better than the Stabler Brace alone. This study provides objective evidence of the restraining capabilities of these protective systems that may prove to be beneficial in the clinical setting.