Care of patient with hinge knee brace
Presentation done on 06/03/2025 at 10am by Samuel Olufemi Olamiko, S.M.A.R.T physiotherapist.
Venue: S.M.A.R.T office, Medway Maritime Hospital, Kent, ME7 5NY
Knee brace is a device that support and stabilises the knee joint.
Knee hinge brace is a type of knee brace that has hinges on the side of the knee joint in order to allow for controlled knee bending (flexion) and knee straightening (extension) while giving stability and support. The degree of knee flexion of the hinge knee brace is set by the orthopaedic doctor based on the treatment goal.
Use of knee brace:
After an injury such as sprain, strain or tear.
To manage pain from conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis
After knee surgery allowing weight bearing or non weight bearing status.
To improve stability after an injury such as anterior cruciate ligament tear etc
Application of the brace:
The brace should be fitted in a lying or long sitting position on a bed. It is possible to fit the brace alone by the patient but it can be much easier to get other to put it on.
Open the straps of the brace and lay your leg on top of it . · The two round pads should hug at the sides of the kneecap. Ensure the brace is locked / unlocked to the desired degrees of motion. · Fasten the buckles on the straps nearest the knee first – this helps to keep it in the right place. · Fasten the remaining straps. Ensuring all straps are tight but able to fit one finger comfortably between the skin and the strap, to ensure it is not fastened too tight.
NB: Throughout the day, the brace may slip and will need to be pulled back up to the knee and the straps tightened again.
Knee brace should be worn all the time, including bedtime, unless stated otherwise by the doctor. Patient may remove the brace for personal hygiene only and put back on immediately. Sometimes the skin can become dry and flaky – a simple moisturiser is advised.
Problem to look out for:
Skin redness that does not fade after 15-20 minutes
A marked increase in swelling
Sores or blisters on skin
Pain, irritation or rubbing
Damage to the knee brace
Any altered sensation i.e numbness or pins and needles sensation
Lack of ability to move the foot and ankle.
NB:If any of these signs are noted, remove the knee brace and seek medical help immediately.
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