Abstract: An orthopedic knee brace which includes a thigh cuff and which also includes a pair of inflatable air pillows interposed between the thigh cuff and the thigh of the wearer to prevent slippage. The air pillows are mounted on the cuff to be located on the opposite sides of the femur of the wearer within the medial femoral hollows in position to engage the femoral condyles. A unique miniature pump is also provided for inflating the air pillows.

Abstract: A polycentric variable axis hinge for use in an orthopedic knee brace to provide a mechanical joint between the femoral and tibial cuffs of the brace. The hinge includes a femoral stem which is attached to the femoral cuff and which extends downwardly from the femoral cuff, and it also includes a tibial stem attached to the tibial cuff and extending upwardly from the tibial cuff. The ends of the two stems overlap one another to provide a joint. The distal end of the femoral stem has first and second variable radii slots formed in it, the slots being positioned one above the other and extending in the anterior-posterior direction, and the lower slot being longer than the upper slot. A first bearing pin is mounted on the distal end of the tibial stem, and it is received in the upper slot. Two additional bearing pins are mounted on the distal end of the tibial stem and are received in the lower slot.