ACL Brace Recommendations

On Tuesday Jill took a fall and tore the ACL on her left knee.  She received an ACL brace from her orthopedist by Top Shelf Mfg. The model is a T-Scope, which is both a pre and post-op brace.  It seems not to be a great fit, in spite of the adjustments that were made in the doctor's office.  Even with frequent cinching up of the velcro straps it does not stay up and in the 'right place', making walking difficult!  Also, although the doctor said that she would be skiing in the same brace as is used pre and post-op, this one is definitely too long to be worn with her ski boots. 

Any suggestions?  We are looking for recommendations for an ACL brace that can be worn pre and post-op and for skiing when the time arrives.

Thanks

Zap & Jill

Here's what Jill finds inspiring. 

"Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, "Wow, what a Ride!"
---- from a BMX rider who was reviewing ACL knee braces

Sorry to hear her injury.  After my ACL operation, I used a knee brace for a while, though I skied three seasons w/o it before the surgery.  Anyway, mine is one of Donjoy and it worked well, I think.  I still have it, though it doesn't say which model it is (looks like a "Legend" model).  I could bring it next Wed night...

when my wife tore here acl she also killed the nerve, so no pain =no surgery
"Donjoy" legend brace helps with the woppley, but transfers flex to her hip.
we paid cash to a rep. because the Docs would not issue a script for it.

I first tore my ACL in 1980 and had a poor surgical repair. I had it re-repaired surgically in 1989 and it has been relatively fine ever since. After the second repair I wore a Generation II brace that was custom fit to my leg. It worked well. That's been over twenty years ago, so I do not know if they even make them any more. It did fit fine above my ski boot. After about two years I quit wearing a brace and have not worn one since for skiing or any other activity. You did not say whether or not your wife is having surgery. Without surgery I suppose a brace would be necessary. With surgery and the modern techniques they use her knee should be pretty good to go provided she rehabs it to the point the injured leg is as strong or nearly as strong as the healthy leg. I think strengthening the leg and flexibility should be the main focus rather than wearing a brace. Wearing a brace may be a bit of a false sense of security. The best protection is strengthening the leg and I personally would not return to skiing until I was sure my leg was strong enough to handle the unique stresses put on it by the activity. Lots of biking and hiking were the best outdoor rehab activities for me. FWIW.

Good attitude, but still hate to hear about the injury

One more vote for Donjoy. I also paid cash to a rep because I needed the brace for the next day, and there was no other way than meeting the rep in Redmond.

I use the FoucePoint. ASAIR, you must tell them you want a skier-specific brace. Fits well with Scarpa Spirit 4. Never had an operation, and plan to get one this summer, hopefully next winter I can ski again without a brace. Or at least ski with a brace but without worrying too much... I have met people who have had the surgery and still ski with a brace years after this just in case. My VP skis and plays hockey forward in a league here and despite successful operation also skates with a Donjoy.

Hope this helps and good vibes for optimal resolution
Ivo

I use a Donjoy too. Both my knees have ACL tears. So I wear TWO braces.

Anyhooo, yes, they do slip down. Nothing is perfect--and you will never find one brace that stays up perfectly. Why do they slip down? Gravity! You need to worry if it starts moving up becuase then you will defy certain laws of the universe.

I have thought about wearing a belt and a strap that goes down to brace to keep it at the right heighth.....but I have not put thought to action.

My buddy tore his ACL in 2001 and this is what he wrote about his brace:

"I only wore a CUSTOM SKI BRACE for skiing!
My ski brace cost about $1500 and was custom fit to my knee by a specialist.

The other brace was just a Don-Joy immobilizer for post operation that they gave me at the hospital."

My wife also tore her ACL 2 weeks ago. Appreciate all the shared stories from fellow TAYers with the same injury.

I have torn and surgically repaired my ACL's...four times since 1988. Once on the right(first time) and 3x on the left.

The brace worked very well at stabilizing my knee and allowing me to continue skiing without an intact ACL to close to 90% of my ability. I had a "custom fit" CTI2 brace, where they measure your leg and fit you to a particular model, ~$1000 covered on my insurance at the time. A true custom brace they measure and make the brace to your specs, these usually run a bit more in the $1500-2000 range.

In order for it to work properly, you want it TIGHT. Like almost unconfortable tight and leave marks on the thigh tight. I also highly recommend getting a fabric sleeve to put on under it so there is something between the brace and the skin. This helped it from slipping around if my leg got sweaty and made it much more comfortable without the velco digging into my skin.

These braces are great at stabilizing the knee joint and displacing some of the stress off the knee, as well as protecting against lateral impacts and possible hyperextension. Since I was wearing this great brace 8 months post op when I re-tore the left ACL again and finally damaged my meniscus, I can say they do not prevent ACL injuries or against twisting injuries. It's been 3 seasons since my last injury and I rarely wear anything more than a neoprene sleeve now just to keep the knee a little warmer.

I know a girl in her sixties who knocked out both her ACLs skiing in 1970s. She has probably skied 40-50 days a year since. Four years ago she was still pulling tabogans on ski patrol. Notably, she has quads and hamstrings a linebacker would be proud of.

ACL repairs were still primative in the 70s and 80s, she did not want to risk it. By the 90s, she was doing fine and did not need the repair.

Jill: get yourself a good physical therapist and start training, I will you get in touch with my friend...

I have torn and surgically repaired my ACL's...four times since 1988. Once on the right(first time) and 3x on the left.

What are you? A javelin thrower? 3x on the left!!!!!

What are you?  A javelin thrower? 3x on the left!!!!!

All of them while skiing-R-1988, L- 1995, 2007, 2008. Collectively 100 days skiing without an ACL in 2007 and 2008 as these complete tears happened late Dec/early Jan and I delayed repair until May. The braces are pretty uncomfortable for skinning in, but not so bad for skiing down.

The key is to start spinning low resistance on an exercise bike asap, work up to 30-60 min/day. (yes very boring, but the stronger your legs are the better whether you elect for surgical repair or not).

Heh, I am also delaying till summer in order to avoid losing snow time

One potentially sacrilegious suggestion: snowboarding is much easier than skiing with a torn ACL, I don't even need a brace unless I plan to hit something bigger.

Yes: skinning with a brace sucks big time, while going down it doesn't seem to be an issue. Full side zips on your pants are your friend - you can adjust brace easier while skinning. Otherwise you have to drop your pants ;D

Cheers
Ivo

I tore my ACL last December and continued snowboarding, though kept things very low key because of the slop in my knee. Had surgery in March and currently wear a Donjoy for basketball and snowboarding.

Thought I'd chime in here. I had a complete ACL tear over Thanksgiving of 2009. Had a hamstring graft reconstruction, along with the removal of 80% of medial and 20% of lateral meniscus, on Dec 31 2009.

I skied Adams on July 5th 2010, without a brace, and have never once felt a need for a brace. I do wear a velcro knee wrap, but solely to keep it warm.

I wore a brace for 2 days post-op, but never again. One of the keys to my recovery was to do many balancing exercises. Once I built up a base of leg strength through low resistance stationary bike work (about 4-6 weeks) I began to do exercises on a bosu ball. Standing, one legged stands, bends, crouching, toe touches- whatever. I would also do upper body work while standing on the ball.  I worked closely with Lea Stralke at Pro Sports club, who gave me exercises that were in line with standard protocol for acl rehab. ( I also benefited from a certain red headed wonder PT named Monika- yet another amazing talent of hers) I really feel that developing the stabilizer muscles around the knee are crucial for full recovery. If you do things right, you shouldn't need a brace. Just my opinion of course....

"Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, "Wow, what a Ride!"
---- from a BMX rider who was reviewing ACL knee braces

Thankfully, I don't have any knee issues yet but a cautionary tale. Besides mountain play(skiing, hiking, climbing) during my slacking 20s, 30s and early 40s, I was a devoted basketball player. The local university has a lunchtime rec program, the so-called Wellness Hour, where one could exercise in various ways, including ball. Having skills and fitness(see skiing, hiking, climbing), I had a great time but gradually ruined one and now the other ankle. Quit cold turkey 11 years ago but am hobbled. Hiking down my totem, Mt Stuart, forgetaboutit. I can still ski and bike though, low impact.

You are issued one body at inception. If you're in for the long run, take of it. I hope to be skiing for the duration.
Sympathies and best to Jill. I hope any surgery works and you find a good brace and an excellent PT.

I thought I would chime in since I'm a rep for the Top Shelf brace your wife is wearing. The brace is meant to be used before and after surgery, not for skiing. I've read many of the posts recommending the Donjoy braces and yes they are good braces but there are others out there. I would recommend going to a Orthotist, someone that is trained to fit custom and OTS (off the shelf) braces with your specific needs in mind.