Complete ACL tears have traditionally been treated with surgery, particularly for people hoping to return to sport. Recent research, including the EMBRACE study, has shown that the rehabilitation time for the Cross Bracing Protocol is similar to surgery.
The key benefit is that, if you are selected for the Cross Bracing group, you may avoid surgery altogether while still supporting your ACL to heal effectively.
Bodyfit Physio will offer you a $50 initial consultation to screen your eligibility for the trial.
What is the ACL?
The anterior crucial ligament (ACL) is one of the main stabilising ligaments in the knee. ACL injuries most commonly occur during sport through movements such as:
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Landing awkwardly from a jump
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Sudden pivoting or cutting movements
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Rapid changes in direction
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Hyperextension of the knee
Sports like football, soccer and netball commonly see these types of injuries.
What is the Cross Bracing Protocol?
The Cross Bracing Protocol is a 12-week program that positions the knee in a brace to allow the ACL the best chance to heal.
Weeks 1–5
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Knee braced at 90°
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Non-weight bearing
Weeks 6–12
- You’ll come in weekly so we can gradually adjust the brace, increasing your knee’s range of motion until it is fully unrestricted and you can safely bear weight.
After 12 weeks, a follow-up MRI is done to assess healing before starting a structured ACL rehabilitation program.
Who is eligible?
According to the EMBRACE study, you may be able to take part if you:
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Are 16 to 40 years old
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Have a complete ACL rupture (torn right through) that occurred in the last 19 days
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Are prepared to have a knee MRI to confirm the injury
Participation requires that you are willing to have either the Cross Bracing Protocol or ACL surgery, as treatment allocation is determined by the study and cannot be chosen.
Eligibility is confirmed in three steps:
1. Answer some questions online
2. Discuss your injury and medical history with a researcher by phone
3. Have the study doctor review your knee MRI
You don’t need to wait for an MRI report before being referred to the study by your doctor – clinical suspicion of ACL is enough to get the ball rolling. MRI delays shouldn’t hold up your access to the study.
Costs
Participants are allocated to one of two groups:
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Cross Bracing Protocol: Study funds up to 23 physiotherapy sessions over 12 months
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ACL Surgery: Study funds up to 15 physiotherapy sessions and reimburses up to $2,000 towards surgical costs (this can be at either a public hospital or private if you have private health insurance).
When you come in for an initial assessment with us, to check your eligibility for the trial, the consultation will cost $50.
How we can help
You may be eligible to be part of the study. Participation requires that you are willing to have either the Cross Bracing Protocol or ACL surgery, as treatment allocation is determined by the study and cannot be chosen.
Your final eligibility will be determined by the EMBRACE trial leaders, following an MRI and assessment. We cannot guarantee eligibility but we can assist with your rehab regardless of your eligibility status.
Our physiotherapists Angelo and Ben can help with your rehabilitation for either, Cross Bracing Protocol or surgery options.
We will guide you through a 12-week program, ensuring you are supported every step of the way.
Our goal is to get you back to doing the things you love, as soon as possible.
