• Support Level 6 – The Kedley Range's Highest Classification: At Level 6, this is the most structurally supportive product in Kedley's knee range. Where the elasticated sleeve (Level 2–3) provides compression and proprioception, and the neoprene knee support (Level 4) adds warmth, this hinged brace adds rigid bilateral structural stabilisation — the level of support required when the soft tissue structures of the knee are unable to provide adequate stability independently.
• Dual Metal Hinge System: The two metal hinges are positioned laterally and medially at the knee joint line. They act as mechanical constraints on varus (inward) and valgus (outward) stress — the primary mechanism of medial and lateral collateral ligament injury — while permitting normal sagittal plane movement (bending and straightening). The hinges also function as a hyperextension stop, preventing the knee from moving beyond a safe range of extension, which is critical in ACL-deficient knees and in hyperextension injury management.
• Open Patella Design with Peripatella Padding: The patella cut-out prevents direct compression on the kneecap during use, which is important in patellofemoral pain syndrome and post-patella injury presentations. The additional padding surrounding the patella opening provides a degree of patellar tracking support and cushioning, improving comfort during kneeling, squatting, and impact activities.
• Aero-Tech Neoprene with Terry-Cloth Lining: The Aero-Tech range uses a higher-specification neoprene with an integrated airflow structure and a terry-cloth inner lining. The terry-cloth actively wicks moisture away from the skin during physical activity, reducing the discomfort associated with standard neoprene during sustained sport or physical work. This makes the brace more practical for athletes and those who need to wear it for extended active periods.
• Intended Clinical Uses: Medial and lateral collateral ligament (MCL/LCL) sprains and instability, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) instability (as a functional brace — not a replacement for surgical assessment), knee hyperextension injury and prevention, meniscus cartilage injuries, general knee instability, and return to sport or physical activity following knee injury.

Understanding where this brace sits in the clinical hierarchy of knee support is important for selecting the appropriate device:

• Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) & Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL) Injuries: The most direct indication for a hinged brace. Grade I and II MCL/LCL sprains are typically managed conservatively; the hinged brace provides the varus/valgus protection needed to allow the ligament to heal under controlled conditions while maintaining functional activity. Grade III (complete) tears should be assessed orthopaedically before bracing decisions are made.
• ACL Deficiency & Instability: In patients with ACL deficiency who are managing non-operatively, or in the pre-operative period awaiting reconstruction, a hinged functional brace provides the anterior tibial translation control that the absent ACL would normally provide. Use should be guided by orthopaedic or physiotherapy advice.
• Knee Hyperextension: The hinge mechanism prevents extension beyond the normal anatomical range, making this brace appropriate for hyperextension injury rehabilitation and for patients with hypermobile knees who are at ongoing risk of hyperextension during sport or activity.
• Meniscus Cartilage Injuries: Following meniscal injury or repair, a hinged brace provides protection against the rotational and valgus/varus forces that can aggravate meniscal damage, supporting a safer return to function.
• Return to Sport Following Knee Injury: Athletes returning to contact or dynamic sport following significant knee injury benefit from the mechanical protection a hinged brace provides, reducing re-injury risk during the confidence-building phase of return to play.

• Mediolateral Constraint: The bilateral metal hinges are positioned at the joint line on the medial and lateral aspects of the knee. When valgus force (pushing the knee inward — as in a typical MCL injury mechanism) is applied, the lateral hinge transmits this force through its rigid structure rather than through the ligament, directly offloading the medial collateral ligament. The reverse is true for varus force and LCL protection. This mechanical offloading is the primary distinguishing function of a hinged brace over a standard compression support.
• Hyperextension Stop: The hinge mechanism incorporates an extension range-of-motion limit that prevents the knee from extending beyond the anatomical neutral position. This is critical in ACL-deficient knees — where the ACL's primary role is resisting anterior tibial translation in the terminal extension range — and in hyperextension presentations, where uncontrolled extension causes repeated damage to the posterior joint structures.
• Sagittal Freedom: Despite the rigid mediolateral constraint, the hinge design permits full physiological flexion and extension of the knee in the sagittal plane. This is the critical design advantage of a hinged brace over a rigid immobilising splint — the knee can bend and straighten normally for walking, stair climbing, squatting, and sport, while still being protected against the forces most likely to cause re-injury.
• Open Patella Decompression: The patella cut-out removes direct compressive loading on the kneecap during use. In patellofemoral pain syndrome, post-patella fracture, or patients with chondromalacia patellae, direct patellar compression during activity is a significant pain driver. The open design, combined with peripatella padding that gently guides the patella without compressing it, reduces this pain source while maintaining overall joint support.
• Thermal & Proprioceptive Effects: As with all neoprene supports, the Aero-Tech construction provides continuous heat retention (improving circulation, reducing muscle spasm, easing joint stiffness) and enhanced proprioceptive feedback through constant mechanoreceptor stimulation. The terry-cloth lining adds moisture management during active use, maintaining these therapeutic effects without the discomfort of heat and sweat accumulation common in standard closed-cell neoprene.

• Sizing Check: This brace fits knee circumferences up to 50cm, measured at the centre of the kneecap. Measure before fitting — if the knee circumference exceeds 50cm, this universal size may not achieve adequate compression and an alternative sized brace should be sought.
• Step 1 – Prepare: Undo all straps fully before application. Ensure the skin of the knee and surrounding area is clean, dry, and free from creams or lotions.
• Step 2 – Position the Patella Cut-Out: Centre the patella (kneecap) opening directly over the kneecap. This is the critical positioning step — if the cut-out is not centred on the patella, the brace will not function correctly and may cause discomfort at the patella margins.
• Step 3 – Secure Neoprene Panel: Wrap the neoprene upper and lower sections around the thigh and calf respectively, securing with the inner straps to hold the brace in position before applying the outer fastenings.
• Step 4 – Apply Outer Straps: Wrap the top and bottom fastening straps firmly around the leg and attach. Re-adjust as required to achieve the desired level of compression — firm and supportive without restricting circulation.
• Step 5 – Check Fit & Circulation: After full application, check that the toes and foot are warm with normal sensation. Perform a full bend and straighten of the knee — the hinge should move smoothly without binding or impinging on the joint. The brace should feel stable and should not shift during movement.
• Hinge Position: Confirm the metal hinges are positioned at the joint line on either side of the knee — not above or below. Correct hinge placement is essential for the mediolateral stabilisation function to operate effectively.
• Washing: Remove the metal hinges before washing. Hand wash the neoprene shell in lukewarm soapy water. Rinse and air dry. Do not machine wash, tumble dry, or iron. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct heat and sunlight. Reinsert hinges only when the brace is completely dry.