A hinged knee brace runs rigid bars down both sides of the leg, hinged at the joint, to hold an injured knee steady while it heals. Fitting is done on your leg, and the hinges are locked at your physician’s settings.
This item is supplied only on a physician’s order, and it is fitted on you in the clinic.
What is a hinged knee brace?
Straps hold stiff bars along each side of your leg, joined by hinges at the knee.
How does it help you heal?
By steadying the knee and capping how far it can bend during healing, it keeps the joint from buckling on steps or rough ground.
How should it feel?
Snug straps and firm support. Every time it goes on, each hinge should sit level with the center of your kneecap.
How do you wear it, use it and keep it in shape?
Strap it snug, not tight, so two fingers fit under each strap. Leave the hinge settings alone. Look over your skin each day, and clean the brace with a damp cloth.
When should you call us?
Call us if:
- Your foot or toes go cold, blue, numb or puffy
- The brace keeps sliding down
How long do you use it?
Wear it as your physician ordered.
We size the item on you and coach you until you can manage it on your own, from strapping it on to taking it off. Written instructions go home with you, and the signed receipt stays in your chart. Phone us about any pain, a bad fit or a broken piece.
What to remember
- Hinges level with the center of the kneecap.
- Only your physician changes the hinge settings.
- Cold, blue, numb or swollen toes: call.
Show us you have it: Line the hinges up on your knee while we watch. If any part is unclear, ask us to go over it again; there is no limit on that.
Our pages on knee pain and work injuries cover how a knee injury is examined and documented.
Other equipment in the program
This page belongs to the Gateway Midwest physician-directed physiotherapy program. On Natural Bridge Road, the physician who examined you signs each order, and no treatment runs without a physician on site.
Hurt in an accident? Start here.
You do not need a lawyer, a police report or a referral to be seen. Bring your symptoms and we will work out the rest.
Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Same-day appointments are often available for new accident and injury patients.