Knee Bracing

The authors present an overview of the design and functional features of knee braces and their relationship to knee biomechanics. Four types of knee braces-prophylactic, rehabilitative, functional, and patellofemoral-have been developed to cover the wide variety of indications in patients who have suffered knee injuries or hope to prevent them. Important considerations when choosing specific brace types are discussed, and summaries of relevant research are presented. Clinical criteria for brace selection are offered to help physicians and sports medicine professionals in choosing the right brace for each patient.