Brace type	Indications	Contraindications	Reported benefits/evidence	Risks/limitations
Prophylactic knee braces	MCL protection against valgus knee stresses Re-injury protection after previous MCL injury Athletes at high risk for MCL injury	To limit rotational control in ACL-deficient knees Unstable knees requiring operative therapy	Reduction of frequency and severity of MCL injuries following valgus knee stresses Supporting cruciate ligaments during rotational stresses Enhanced knee proprioception	Injuries increased by excessive preloading of MCL
				Limited speed and athleticism
				False sense of security for previously injured knee
				Brace-related contact injuries to other players
Functional knee braces	Reduce translation and rotation following ACL injury Additional support after ACL surgery Support for mild to moderate PCL or MCL instability	Unstable knees requiring operative therapy Complicated multi-directional knee injuries such as posterolateral corner injuries	Laboratory evidence of reduced tibial rotation and knee AP translation Subjective reports of decreased pain, enhanced performance, and improved confidence during athletics Control of knee hyperextension Augmented knee proprioception	Reported effects on translation and rotation disappear at physiologic levels of use
				Increased energy expenditure and decreased agility
				False sense of confidence following ACL reconstruction
				Brace-related contact injuries to other players
Patellofemoral knee braces	Patellar subluxation and/or dislocation Patellar tendonitis Chondromalacia of the patella Postsurgical effusion control	Knee disorders unrelated to the patellofemoral joint Knee translation or rotational control Unstable knees requiring operative therapy	Improved patellar tracking during knee flexion and extension Dissipated lateral patellar forces Decreased anterior knee pain syndromes Subjective reports of decreased pain, enhanced performance and improved confidence during athletics	Subjective benefits exceed objective findings
				Increased skin irritation and lesions
				Relatively insignificant pain relief with regular brace wear
				Less effective than conservative therapy (simple stretching and strengthening)