Hinged Knee Brace

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.

STAR BUY: McDavid Pro Stabiliser

McDavid Knee Braces: Pro Stabiliser

Overview: The McDavid Pro Stabiliser knee brace is designed for moderate to severe knee instability and pain after knee injuries e.g. ligament and cartilage tears. It is also suitable for knee arthritis. It has two side hinges that prevent hyperextension (knee bending too far back), and rigid uprights providing additional sideways support whilst allowing freedom of movement.

This McDavid hinged knee brace is made of lightweight materials including aircraft grade aluminium gears that accommodate the natural gliding action of the knee. The neoprene sleeve provides therapeutic warmth and has a seamless, breathable back panel for improved comfort. Patellar support buttress helps improve patellar tracking. Fully adjustable Velcro straps ensure a perfect fit for your knee.

My Verdict: The McDavid Pro Stabiliser hinged knee brace offers great protection at a reasonable price. Users consistently give it top ratings because it is easy to apply, comfortable and effective. Average user rating 4.3/5.

Read: User Reviews    Buy Now: ON SALE (guide price $75/£80/€92)

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STAR BUY: Breg T Scope Premier Post-Op Knee Brace

Breg T Scope Hinged Knee Brace

Overview: The Breg T Scope Knee Brace offers precise range-of-motion control both for preventing and when recovering from ACL injuries. The dial hinge allows you to limit the range of knee motion with simple flexion and extension stops, to prevent you overstretching your knee, reducing the tension through the ACL.

The brace length can be adjusted thanks to telescopic thigh and calf sleeves to fit almost anyone from 5ft to 6ft4". Good padding and a light-weight design make it extremely comfortable and it can be adjusted to fit either leg.

Our Verdict: The Breg T Scope Brace is an excellent hinged knee brace as you can control how much the knee is allowed to bend and straighten which helps to protect the ACL. It receives excellent user reviews both for comfort and stability. Average user rating 4.4/5.

Read: User Reviews   Buy Now: ON SALE (guide price $120/£170)

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Mueller Hg80 Hinged Knee Brace

Elite Mueller Knee Braces: Hg80 Hinged Knee Brace for ultimate protection

Overview: The Mueller Hg80 Hinged Knee Brace provides excellent support. The triaxial hinge and flexible steel springs provide maximum protection without limiting knee movement.

This hinged knee brace 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 correct fit and the unique antimicrobial layer protects from bacteria and other micro-organisms, reducing odors. Comes in four sizes. 

Our Verdict: The Mueller Hg80 Knee Brace is a great brace for skiers and active sports people and receives excellent reviews. I like that it is made from special material to prevent it getting smelly! Average user rating 4.4/5.

Read: User Reviews    Buy Now: ON SALE (guide price $50/£75/€99)

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Donjoy FullStop Knee Brace

Donjoy Knee Braces: FullStop Knee Brace

Overview: The Donjoy FullStop Knee Brace provides moderate to maximum stability making it perfect for ligament injuries. The combination of the FullStop hinge and four-point leverage system trains users to stay out of the "at-risk" position through a dampening cycle.

It is designed for use in high-risk sports such as skiing/snowboarding, football, soccer, basketball and volleyball, with ligament tears or after ligament reconstruction surgery.

Adjustable straps ensure secure fit, and it is also reflective.

Our Verdict: The Donjoy FullStop Hinged Knee Brace is perfect for people with moderate to severe knee instability such as ACL tears, allowing people to safely partake in high-risk sports. It's not cheap but it offers excellent protection. Average user rating 4.2/5

Read: User Reviews   Buy Now: ON SALE (guide price $200/£300)

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Neo G Hinged Open Knee Brace

neog hinged 280 opt nov 23

Overview: The Neo G Hinged Open 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 three adjustable straps, this hinged knee brace provides maximum joint protection and stability. The open patellar area helps reduce patellar tracking problems and pain.

Our Verdict: With the Neo G Hinged Knee Brace, the hinge actually 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 $50/£35/€55)

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Donjoy Performance Bionic Knee Brace

Donjoy Knee Braces: Bionic Performance Stability Brace

Overview: The Donjoy Performance Bionic Knee Brace provides mild-moderate support. It has bilateral polycentric hinges to provide sideways stability supporting the collateral ligaments. It also features a hyperextension stop which helps support the cruciate ligaments and stop the knee from bending back too far. 

The wraparound design and top and bottom stretch webbing closure ensures a personalised fit and the anti-migration technology helps prevent any slippage.

It is made of perforated neoprene for maximum breathability and has reflective spots for enhanced visibility in low light. There is also a camo colored version.

Our Verdict: The Donjoy Performance Bionic Knee Brace provides great protection in all directions and supports the patella well. It is easy to get on and off and even has a small compartment to hold keys and cards! It is comfy to wear, stays in place well and receives great user reviews. Average user rating 4.3/5

Read: User Reviews   Buy Now: ON SALE (guide price $80/£99/€90)

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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: 09/01/24
Next Review Due: 09/01/26

*Prices correct as of June 2024.  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.