Orthopaedic polycentric hinge

Abstract

A polycentric hinge for orthopaedic braces includes a pair of rigid support arms having cooperating, interlocking proximal ends, a pair of pivot pins and a hinge plate. The arms are rotatably coupled at their proximal ends to the hinge plate through the pivot pins and are rotatable between an adjustable extension position and an adjustable flexion position. The hinge plate has a plurality of adjustment apertures therein adapted for selective reception of an extension limit pin and a flexion limit pin to selectively restrain rotation of the arms beyond a final extension position and a final flexion position. The pins are secured to the hinge assembly by elastomeric tethers and are positionable between the apertures to selectively adjust the range of motion of the arms. A flip-top cap covers the pins to prevent inadvertent displacement of the pins from the selected apertures.