A knee brace is an external device worn around the knee to prevent further injury or to help reduce symptoms.
Unloader brace.
A brace may be worn to stabilise the knee or the patella, unload part of the joint, or prevent certain ranges of motion during knee rehabilitation.
Knee braces immediately after injury
This type of brace is called an immobiliser. It is just a wrap-around support to stop the knee moving altogether, until the doctor has assessed the problem fully.
Knee braces for ligament instability
This kind of brace is called a 'functional brace' and its purpose is to allow a certain amount of supported movement while preventing further damage.
Knee braces for patellar instability
Patients who have suffered kneecap subluxation or dislocation will benefit from a 'do-nut' type brace, which holds the patellar in the groove of the underlying femur while the knee bends and flexes.
Supports for patellar tendinitis
This kind of brace is generally strap-like and wraps around the knee just in the area over the patellar tendon, Cho Pat strap.