Hinged Knee Braces Guide

Written By: Chloe Wilson, BSc(Hons) Physiotherapy
Reviewed by: KPE Medical Review Board

Hinged Knee Brace Guide: Perfect for knee instability. Get back to doing the things you love.

A hinged knee brace is one of the easiest ways to reduce knee pain and instability.

They offer much more protection and stability than the more simple pull up sleeve and wrap around knee braces on the market.

The hinges on the brace offer sideways stability and prevent the knee from hyperextending (bending back too far). This makes them perfect following ligament injuries

Hinged braces are also invaluable with arthritis, weakness, cartilage problems, instability and after knee surgery to support the knee, reduce pain and make daily activities and sports much more comfortable.

Some hinged braces can be locked at different amounts of flexion and extension so you can control how much your knee bends and straightens. This can be really useful in the early stages of recovery from knee injuries or surgery.

Best Hinged Knee Braces

Hinged knee braces can be used for everyday activities or high demand activities including sports and skiing. There are loads of different ones to choose from and it can be hard to know where to start so here you will find our favorites. All of these hinged knee braces here provide maximum support and protection.

1. Star Buy: McDavid Pro Stabiliser II

McDavid Pro Stabiliser II Hinged Knee Brace

The McDavid Pro Stabiliser II hinged knee brace is designed for moderate to severe knee instability and pain. It has two side hinges that prevent hyperextension and rigid uprights providing additional sideways support whilst allowing freedom of movement. 

It is made of lightweight materials which allow for the natural gliding action of the knee (the knee doesn’t simply bend and straighten, it needs to glide to ensure smooth movements).

The neoprene sleeve provides therapeutic warmth and has a seamless, breathable back panel for improved comfort. Patellar support buttress helps improve patellar tracking (how the kneecap moves). Fully adjustable Velcro straps ensure a perfect fit for your knee.

My verdict: This is my favorite hinged knee brace on the market as it offers great protection (elite level) 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 great purchase if you really need to give your knee maximum support. Average user rating 4.2/5.

Read: User Reviews    Buy Now: ON SALE (guide price $53/£48/€55)

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2. Neo G Hinged Open Knee Brace

Neo G Hinged Open Knee Brace

The Neo G Hinged Open Knee Brace has an exclusive two point geared hinge system to control flexion and extension movements preventing hyperextension. It also reduces sideways instability.

It has three adjustable straps, which provides maximum joint protection and stability. The open patellar area helps reduce patellar tracking problems and pain. It is suitable for moderate to severe knee problems.

My Verdict: The hinge makes it easier to bend and straighten the knee whilst providing the necessary support. Simple to use and comfortable. Average user rating 4.3/5.

Read: User Reviews    Buy Now: ON SALE (guide price $43/£35/€55)

Orthopedic knee brace available in these countries

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3. Mueller Hg80 Hinged Knee Brace

Mueller Hg80 Hinged Knee Brace

The Mueller Hg80 Hinged Knee Brace is perfect for 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.

It is made from Hydracinn fabric (latex and neoprene free) which provides good durability and heat management to prevent excessive sweating.

The contoured inner sleeve and adjustable strap at the top ensures it fits well. It has a unique antimicrobial layer which protects from bacteria, reducing odors. 

My verdict: This is a great hinged knee brace for skiers and active sports people and I like that it is made from special material to prevent it getting smelly! Average user rating 4.2/5

4. Donjoy Playmaker

Donjoy Playmaker

The Donjoy Playmaker is a superb sports and skiing hinged knee brace for knee ligament injuries and cartilage tears causing instability.  It has an easy to use hi-tech pin system which allows you to control the range of knee movement if desired (flexion and extension) by locking the brace at various possible ranges of knee bend. This is perfect if you want to block specific knee movements to provide protection e.g. following knee surgery.

The Playmaker 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 of you knee. It has four straps which ensures a perfect fit and provides great stability to the knee. It is very easy to put on and is most commonly used after knee surgery or with ACL injuries.

Read: User Reviews    Buy Now: On Sale (guide price $180/£179/€150)

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Hinged Knee Brace Size Guides

It is really important to get the correct size brace, otherwise it won’t work effectively and will be very uncomfortable. Hinged 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 size falls between two sizes, it is usually best to go for the larger size for a better fit.

McDavid Knee Brace Size Guide
Mueller Knee Brace Size Guide
Donjoy Knee Brace Sizing Guide

What Else Can Help?

Elite level hinged knee braces are only really needed when there is major knee instability or for athletes. Most people will not require elite protection from a knee brace and find a Basic or Advanced Brace works perfectly for them.

If you want help working out what protection level you need from a knee brace, visit the Knee Brace Overview section for help in finding the best one for you.

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Page Last Updated: 11/28/23
Next Review Due: 11/28/25


*Prices correct as of November 2023.  All prices are subject to change.  Please note we do not stock products directly and therefore have no control over price changes.  See advertising policy for more information.