IDS ::: Orthotics ::: Knee Braces

Knee braces

These are normally available ‘off the shelf' with a small number being custom made. As the name implies they are designed to block unwanted movement at the knee.

At the less expensive end of the market several designs, from many manufacturers, are available. These are generally used for relatively minor instabilities of the knee. For more serious pathologies such as ligament ruptures, more expensive lightweight but rigid devices are available. Some ligament injuries result in relatively minor increases in angulations or translations at the knee, which are still pathological.

To be effective, the brace must not have inherent slack or flexibility. It is important to note that a soft brace cannot be expected to block movement and that no brace can make an arthritic joint sound again. Some very severe conditions cannot be controlled by a knee brace and a KAFO may be more appropriate.

Knee braces are commonly used in Moto Cross...

clearly for good reason!

“C.T.I. Edge” knee brace. Laminated stock knee brace which can give excellent knee support. Generally used in very active sporting situations for ligament damage or prophylactically. These protect against impact.

Stock knee brace made from neoprene with free metal joints. Can give mild to moderate mediolateral support.

Custom made knee brace without joints. Designed to rigidly support a knee joint which has been very severely damaged or even destroyed.

An orthosis designed to reduce flexion contractures.

A close up of the knee joints which is fitted with a specially designed opening to give a small extension force over a long period of time.

Another view of the above knee joint.

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