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.