Lower Extremity: Hinged-Knee Brace
These instructions are for Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) patients that have been instructed to wear a hinged-knee brace.
Patient instructions:
When to wear the brace
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Always wear the brace locked in a straight position when sleeping and walking.
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The brace may be removed briefly when doing exercises or for showering.
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Each patient is different, and your surgeon will tell you more about how long you can expect to wear the brace following surgery.
How the brace should fit |
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The center of the dial should line up where the knee bends as shown below.
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The dials should be on either side of your knee and not twisted to the front or back.
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The brace straps should be applied tight enough so that the brace does not slide on your leg.
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The brace fits best when worn on the skin and not on top of clothing.
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You may have to tighten or loosen the straps in the days after surgery because of swelling.
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How the brace works |
On the side of the brace there are dials with numbers on them and two small gray clips. These clips change how much the brace allows your knee to bend and straighten. These clips are set by your surgeon and may be adjusted by your therapist. Do not attempt to move them on your own.
Above each dial is a small red switch. This is used to lock and unlock the brace.
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To lock the brace (keep the knee straight): Slide both switches down towards the dial or "lock" symbol.
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To unlock the brace (allow the knee to bend): Slide both switches up and away from the dial or "lock" symbol.
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This brace is an important part of your recovery process. If you have any questions, you should always contact your surgeon or physical therapist.
Please use this QR code to watch our video about using your hinged knee brace.
Reviewed on January 13, 2023, by Ken Knecht, PT, MS, SCS