Knee Brace

A hinged knee brace is a supporting orthopedic knee brace designed to protect & stabilize the knee joint. It is used generally for ACL, PCL, MCL, & meniscus ligaments. It allows controlled movement to prevent excessive twisting or bending of your knee to reduce the effect of knee injuries.

Structure of a Hinged Knee Brace -

• Metal hinges are the main part of this knee brace. Their work is to mimic the natural bending of the knee and restrict side instability.
• Rigid frames and bars are placed along the inner & outer sides of the brace. They offer structural stability & prevent lateral movement.
• Adjustable velcro scraps secure the brace around the thigh and calf. They allow customized compression & fit for different leg sizes.
• Cushioned sleeves are made of neoprene for comfort. They absorb the sweat & maintain the warmth for better joint flexibility.
• Hinge stops or locks have adjustable stops to limit knee extension or flexion. You can also use them to control movement range after surgery.

Types of Hinged Knee Braces -

Hinged knee braces are available in different types based on their design, flexibility & medical purpose. Let’s explore them one by one -

Functional Hinged Knee Brace -

This knee brace is an ideal knee brace after ligament tears (ACL, PCL, MCL). You can wear this knee brace during rehabilitation and physical therapy after surgery and major ligament injury. Strong hinges with adjustable straps are present to keep knee movement in range.

Rehabilitative Hinged Knee Brace -

This knee brace is used to restrict excessive movement & allow healing. A rigid frame with lockable hinges can decide how much the knee can move or extend. It helps in post-operative recovery to increase gradual motion.

Hinged Unloader Knee Brace - 

It provides relief from knee joint pain, mild osteoarthritis, knee pain & support. It features a lightweight, high-strength aluminum frame, making it the ideal knee brace for men & women. This knee brace features a double anti-slip silicone gel coated frame & superior straps with cushion pads effectively reduce your ACL, PCL, LCL, and MCL ligaments.

Adjustable ROM Hinged Knee Brace -

This allows the users to set the degree of knee bending and straightening. Its hinges are available with built-in dials or locking pins for precise control of motion. It is combined with flexible durable and soft skin-friendly fabrics & you can wear knee pads for a long time without any burden. It is one of the best rehabilitative knee braces of all times.

Custom-Fitted Hinged Knee Brace -

A custom-fitted hinged knee brace is designed and molded to match the anatomy of a user’s leg. By using the precise measurements or 3D scans, the brace is crafted to perfectly align with the user’s knee structure to provide support for ligaments, tendons, & muscles. They are commonly aligned for serious ligament injuries, post-surgical recovery, or advanced osteoarthritis. This knee brace consists of durable hinges on both sides that allow natural motion.

Sleeve-Style Hinged Knee Brace -

This hinged knee brace consists of the flexibility of a compression sleeve and stable side hinges. It is made from neoprene & spandex, which helps in blood circulation & inflammation. It is ideal for mild knee injuries, in early arthritis, & minor knee instability. It is lightweight, easy to wear, & suitable for daily use.

Key Benefits of Hinged Knee Braces -

• It provides side-to-side support to stop knee buckling or twisting.
• It protects your ligaments (ACL, MCL, PCL & LCL) from strain or injury during movement.
• Reduces pressure on damaged or arthritic areas, easing knee pain effectively.
• Allows safe & natural bending to limit harmful movements after surgery.
• It also improves mobility in the form of confident walking, running & physical activity without discomfort.
• Hinged knee braces offer enough compression to minimize fluid backup & promote healing.
• Available in adjustable designs for optimal comfort & performance.
• Built with strong material & hinges for long-term use and dependable protection.

Uses of Hinged Knee Braces -

• It supports post-injury recovery and lateral stability.
• A hinged knee brace offers support after knee injury during rehabilitation.
• It prevents excessive joint movement & hyperextension.
• Reduces pain and pressure caused by any type of arthritis.
• Aids the proper knee alignment during walking or exercise.
• It also assists doctors in rehabilitation therapy by controlling knee motion range.
• It also prevents the chances of re-injury during the healing phase.
• Provides comfort for individuals with unstable or weak knees.

Frequently Asked Questions -

What injuries need a hinged knee brace?

A hinged knee brace is recommended for ACL, LCL, MCL, or PCL ligament injuries, meniscus tears, post-surgical recovery, arthritis, degenerative joint disease, & patellar tracking issues.

Do hinged knee braces lock?

Yes, some kind of hinged knee braces can be locked but not all. Generally, Post-surgical or rehabilitative hinged knee braces are available with a locking mechanism.

Can I drive with a hinged knee brace?

It can be difficult or impossible to drive because hinged knee braces restrict the movement capacity of the knee unnecessarily. Post-surgery knee braces are not for driving at all.

Is walking good for knee osteoarthritis?

Yes, walking is very good for osteoarthritis. You need to do it at a comfortable pace. Walking builds the muscles around the knee and removes the stress on the joint.

When not to wear a knee brace?

You should avoid wearing a knee brace in any of the following conditions -

• When your doctor advises against it.
• During long rest periods or while sleeping.
• When doing strengthening exercises.
• If it causes pain, skin irritation, or swelling.
• When your knee is fully healed and stable.

Final Thoughts -

A hinged knee brace is not just an orthopedic support device for joints and knee pain, but it is a very good partner in recovery, partner & performance. Whether you are passing from the phase of post-surgery recovery, or someone facing the arthritis pain, a hinged knee brace provides the protection to your knee for optimal performance.

A correct hinged knee brace works as a bridge between healing & mobility. It allows the user to move freely without re-injury fear. If you are facing the confusion to select the right hinged knee brace, you can get the recommendations from an expert healthcare professional or orthopedist. These knee braces are available in different shapes & designs to be selected by the user.

For a balanced knee mobility and healing from arthritis or any other pain, you can also try the hinged knee braces from Z1 Knee Brace. Ideal for both men & women.