Can a brace after ACL surgery get athletes back in the game faster?

NCT ID NCT06942754

Recruiting now Disease control Sponsor: Wake Forest University Health Sciences Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether wearing a functional knee brace after ACL reconstruction helps athletes feel more ready to return to sports. 96 people aged 14-39 with a complete ACL tear who want to get back to sports will be enrolled. Half will wear a brace after surgery, half will not, and researchers will measure psychological readiness and fear of re-injury.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: DonJoy Defiance Pro brace
What this could lead to: If it works, this could show that wearing a brace after ACL surgery helps athletes feel more confident and ready to return to sports.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage trial with only 96 people. It may not prove that bracing reduces re-injury rates, and results may not apply to all athletes.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT INJURIES

Contacts and locations

Locations

Wake Forest University Health Sciences
RECRUITING

Winston-Salem, North Carolina, 27157, United States

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