Orthopedic rehabilitation knee brace

Abstract

An orthopedic rehabilitation knee brace having paired labeled hinges on either side of a braced knee is provided with easily set flexion and extension limits of movement for providing to the braced leg limited post-operative or recovery restraint of the knee. Each brace includes two improved circular hinge elements with a first group of easily set stops for producing restraint in flexion and a second group of easily set stops for producing restraint in extension of the knee. Extending upwardly and downwardly from each circular hinge housing on both sides of the brace are telescoping respective upper and lower leg wings for effecting from the hinge desired restricted movement of the leg member at the knee joint. The discrete flexion and extension stops extend radially of the hinge and are normally in the disengaged position. Each of the individual stops is exposed through the outward portion of the hinge for manipulation at attached stop operating points. These operating points act as indicators in the radially out position for the limits of movement of hinge setting. The individual stops each act on a detent. The mechanism locks all detents commonly to secure flexion and extension settings of the hinge. Provision is made for providing locking and unlocking of the stops at their detent through a keyed wrench so that the brace can be locked against patient or bystander tampering after setting.