Elite Orthopedic
Knee Brace Guide

Elite orthopedic knee braces provide maximum support and protection for moderate to severe knee pain and instability.  They are commonly used after serious knee injuries, or after certain types of knee surgery.

Elite braces offer much more protection and stability than the more simple basic pull up sleeves and wrap around knee braces on the market. They contain hinges which offer sideways stability and prevent the knee from hyperextending (bending back too far).

What Are They Suitable For?

Elite orthopedic knee braces are perfect for:

1) Moderate to severe knee problems eg cartilage tears, arthritis and chronic weakness
2) Major knee instability eg following ligament injuries
3) Recovery after knee surgery eg ACL Repair

They help to support the knee, reduce pain and make daily activities and sport much safer and more comfortable. They can be used for everyday activities or high demand activities such as sports and skiing.

How Do They Vary?

Elite orthopedic braces usually have 2 to 4 velcro straps for fastening to ensure an accurate fit. This allows for fluctuations in the size of your knee as swelling comes and goes. Some elite braces have hinges that can be locked at different amounts of flexion and extension so you can control how much your knee bends and straightens. This is really useful in the early stages of recovering from knee injuries or surgery.

1. STAR BUY: McDavid Pro Stabiliser II Hinged Knee Brace

Overview: This orthopedic knee brace is designed for moderate to severe knee instability and pain. It has 2 side hinges that prevent hyperextension (knee bending too far back), and rigid uprights providing additional sideways support whilst allowing freedom of movement. It is made of lightweight materials including aircraft grade aluminium gears that accommodate the natural gliding action of the knee (the knee doesn’t simply bend and straighten, it needs to glide to ensure smooth movements). The patellar support buttress helps improve patellar tracking (how the kneecap moves).

My verdict: This is my favourite orthopedic knee brace on the market as it offers excellent protection at a very reasonable price. Users consistently give it top ratings because it is easy to apply, comfortable and effective. It is one of the most popular hinged knee braces on the market and a good purchase if you really need to give your knee maximum support.

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Read: US Reviews Buy Now: RRP $80 On Sale $44.42

Read: UK Reviews Buy Now: RRP £80 On Sale £47.16

Read: Product Info Buy Now: RRP CDN $86.99

1) Donjoy Playmaker

Overview: This is a superb sports and skiing brace for knee ligament injuries and cartilage tears. It is suitable for instability following partial or complete tears of any of the knee ligaments. It has a hi-tech, simple to use pin system which allows you to control the range of knee movement if desired (flexion and extension) by locking the brace at 9 different ranges of knee bend. This is perfect if you want to block specific knee movements to provide protection eg following knee surgery. It also features the Donjoy Four Points of Leverage™ system which restores knee joint stability by preventing movement of the shin in relation to the thigh, reducing the forces on the ACL. The lightweight polyester-nylon weave Drytex fabric eliminates neoprene allergies and improves comfort.

My verdict: This brace is great if you need to limit the amount of flexion/extension (bending and straightening) of you knee. It has 4 straps which ensures a perfect fit and provides great stability to the knee. It is very easy to use, and is most commonly used after knee surgery or with ACL injuries.

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Read: Product info Buy Now: RRP $375 On Sale $217

Read: Product info Buy Now: RRP £187.49

2) McDavid Protective Knee Guard

Overview: This knee brace reduces the forces going through the knee without restricting movement or speed. It features a polycarbonate single pin hinge to deflect forces away from the knee and prevents hyperextension (knee bending back the wrong way). It is only 3/16” thick, and is 100% latex free. The brace fits above and below the knee, leaving the knee itself completely free and open front and back.

My verdict: This orthopedic knee brace is ideal if you need support but don’t want direct pressure on the knee itself.

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Read: US Reviews Buy Now: RRP $90 On Sale $76.99

Read: UK Reviews Buy Now: RRP £46.99

3) Neo G Hinged Open Knee Brace

Overview: This Orthopedic knee brace has an exclusive two point geared hinge system to control flexion and extension movements preventing hyperextension (knee bending too far back). It also reduces sideways instability. Featuring 3 adjustable straps, this brace provides maximum joint protection and stability. The open patellar area helps reduce patellar tracking problems and pain.

My verdict: The hinge actually makes it easier to bend and straighten the knee whilst providing the necessary support. It is simple to use and comfortable. Neo G braces receive excellent reviews and they have recently been launched worldwide.

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Read: Product Info Buy Now: RRP $48 On Sale $35.99

Read: UK Reviews Buy Now: RRP £48 On Sale £38.99

Read: Product Info Buy Now: RRP CDN $35.99

4) Mueller Hg80 Hinged Knee Brace

Overview: This knee brace is designed for all ligament and cartilage injuries, arthritis, chondromalacia patella, patella subluxation and patella tendonitis. The triaxial hinge and flexible steel springs provides maximum protection without limiting knee movement. Made from Hydracinn fabric (latex and neoprene free) which provides good durability and heat management to prevent excessive sweating. It has a unique antimicrobial layer protecting from bacteria and other micro-organisms and reducing odours. Comes in 4 sizes (not available in XXL).

My verdict: This is a great orthopedic knee brace for skiers and active sports people. I like that it is made from special material to prevent it getting smelly! However, the McDavid Pro-stabiliser knee brace above receives better user reviews in the Elite category.

Find Out More

Read: US Reviews Buy Now: RRP $90 On Sale $76.99

Read: UK Reviews Buy Now: RRP £46.99

Elite Knee Brace Size Guides

It is really important to get the correct size brace, otherwise it won’t work effectively and may be very uncomfortable. Elite orthopedic knee braces are either one size fits most or come in range of sizes.

To get an accurate fit, measure around the centre of the knee and chose from the options below. If your knee falls between two sizes, it is usually best to go for the larger size for a better fit.

Other Knee Brace Options?

Most people will not require Elite protection from a knee brace and find a Basic or Advanced Knee Brace works perfectly for them. The more basic braces tend to be cheaper. To find out more about the other types of knee braces available, click the links or visit the Knee Brace Overview section for help in finding the best brace for you.

Go to Knee Brace Guide or Homepage

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Updated 30th April 2013
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