The aim of this investigation was to compare in a prospective randomized study the outcome of painful, traumatic knee injuries when treated with either the modified Robert Jones (MRJB) or elastic support bandage (ESB). Patients with moderate or severe unilateral knee injury presenting to our department within 24 h were randomized into two treatment groups receiving either the MRJB or an ESB. The main outcome parameters of the study were the amount of pain relief required, the speed of recovery, mobility and patient preference. The results of our study of 40 patients indicate that the two treatments were equally effective in treating knee sprains, and patients preferred the ESB in the early post-injury period. Therefore, we see no reason to continue using the MRJB for the treatment of sprained knees in the accident and emergency (A&E) setting when a more patient acceptable, time and cost-effective treatment is available.