Why you have a hinged knee brace
Your orthopaedic consultant has prescribed a 'range of movement' knee brace, following an injury or surgery to your knee.
The brace helps your knee heal without putting too much stress on the area.
It works by giving support to both sides of your knee joint. It can be locked to stop your knee bending at all, or to move between set ranges. Your consultant will decide these ranges. The movement ranges may change at intervals throughout your recovery.
We have fitted this brace for your use only.
Wearing the brace
Wear the brace all the time, especially as follows:
- when sleeping
- during any activities which involve being on your feet.
Wear the knee brace for as long as your consultant directs you. We will review how long you have to wear it when you have your next appointment at the Orthopaedic Clinic.
Fitting the brace
The Kingston Hospital orthopaedic team will fit your brace, according to guidance from your consultant. They will show you how to put it on and take it off.
Sometimes your brace may slip down while you are walking or moving. If this happens, do the following:
- unfasten the straps
- reposition the brace
- refasten the straps so that it fits snugly (see photos below).
How to take your brace on and off
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Open the buckles and lay the brace flat underneath your leg, with your knee positioned centrally between the hinges. The smaller calf pads should be towards the feet. |
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| Fasten the buckles directly above and below your knee first. Then fasten the two end straps. |  |
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If the straps feel loose, lift the Velcro tab on the side of the strap and pull through any excess slack from behind the brace. Make sure the metal bars stay in position on either side of your leg. Lock down the Velcro tab again. |
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Clip the front buckle onto the front clip and pull the front strap tight. Make sure you can fit 1 or 2 fingers between your skin and the strap. Velcro the remaining strap around the back of the brace. After your first fitting, put the brace on and off by unclipping the buckles only. If the brace needs adjusting, follow the step above. |
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The hinged dial shows the range of extension (straightening) and flexion (bending) which has been set for you. Clicking the red switch will unlock and lock the dial at a set degree. To allow movement, switch away from the dial, to the unlocked position. |
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| To reduce movement, switch towards the dial, to the locked position. |  |
Risks
The main risk of wearing this type of knee brace is the development of pressure areas on your skin where the brace rests.
There may be some red marking on your skin when you remove the brace. This is normal. The marks are likely to disappear within 30 minutes.
If pressure areas persist, speak to your healthcare professional for advice.
Check your skin at least once a day, especially if you experience tingling or numbness in the affected limb.
Washing, dressing, driving
Washing
You cannot shower or bathe while wearing your brace. You will need to wash around the brace.
To wash your leg, do the following:
- Lift your affected leg onto the bed and unfasten the brace straps.
- Wipe your skin with a wet flannel or wet wipes.
- Make sure your skin is dry before you put the brace back on.
Dressing
We advise you to wear the brace directly next to your skin, with your clothes over the top. This will give you the best fit and support.
You may find it best to wear loose-fitting clothes.
Driving
We advise you not to drive while wearing the brace. It may restrict some necessary movements and invalidate your insurance policy.
Talk to your consultant and insurance company if you are unsure.
Circulation exercise
We advise you to do some exercises to help your circulation while you wear the brace.
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Pump your feet up and down and make circular movements. Do it for 2 minutes. Do this 3 times a day, at regular intervals. |
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When to seek medical help
Before surgery
Get in touch with us if you experience any of the following:
- your brace feels too loose or too tight
- your affected limb changes colour
- pins and needles
- numbness or loss of feeling
- frequent or severe pain.
After surgery
Get in touch with us if you experience any of the following:
- your brace feels too loose or too tight
- an increase in swelling (making the brace too tight)
- your wound
- is red
- is inflamed
- starts to bleed
- starts to ooze.
Contact information
Kingston Hospital Outpatients Physiotherapy
Telephone: