Summary

Patients’ perceptions on possible physical, psychological and social challenges associated with the use of PTS braces in treatment of posterior cruciate injuries

Abstract

Background

Knee braces for static and dynamic posterior tibial support (PTS) are used in non-operative treatment of acute injury to the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL). Typically, the braces are used for a longer period requiring optimal patient compliance.
Patients’ perceptions on possible physical, psychological and social challenges associated with the use of PTS braces have not been described in the existing literature.

Aim

To describe patient-reported problems associated with use of either static or a dynamic PTS braces.

Material And Methods

A prospective and descriptive cohort study of 54 consecutively enrolled patients undergoing non-operative treatment of acute injury to the PCL. Data were collected from a non-validated questionnaire designed on the basis of data from semi-structured patient interviews and including questions on skin disorders, problems with odor, choice of clothes and influence on sleep. Data were collected after eight weeks of continuous use of either a static brace (SB) or a dynamic brace (DB).

Results

A total of 34 (63%) patients used a SB; 20 (37%) patients used a DB. Problems to the skin such as excoriations, rashes and wounds were reported by 71% in the SB group and by 65% in the DB group. Odor problems from the lining of the brace were reported by 53% in the SB group and by 60% in the DB group. Influence on choice of clothes was reported by 97% in the SB group and by 95% in the DB group. Negative influence on sleep was reported by 76% in the SB group and by 80% in the DB group.

Conclusions

PTS bracing of patients with acute injury to the PCL undergoing non-operative treatment is highly associated with challenges related to problems with the skin, odor, sleep and choice of clothes. Type of brace, static or dynamic, had little influence on challenges associated with brace treatment.