Abstract: A polycentric hinge for orthopaedic braces includes a pair of rigid support arms having cooperating, interlocking proximal ends, a pair of pivot pins and a hinge plate. The arms are rotatably coupled at their proximal ends to the hinge plate through the pivot pins and are rotatable between an adjustable extension position and an adjustable flexion position. The hinge plate has a plurality of adjustment apertures therein adapted for selective reception of an extension limit pin and a flexion limit pin to selectively restrain rotation of the arms beyond a final extension position and a final flexion position. The pins are secured to the hinge assembly by elastomeric tethers and are positionable between the apertures to selectively adjust the range of motion of the arms. A flip-top cap covers the pins to prevent inadvertent displacement of the pins from the selected apertures.

Abstract: An orthopaedic brace for articulated joints of the human body and the members of the body joined by such joints is comprised of support members for securement to respective body members on opposite sides of the joint and a hinge assembly connecting the support members and providing an axis of oscillation aligned with the axis of articulation of the joint; the hinge assembly including retention surfaces on one hinge member and a locking device on another hinge member cooperative with the retention surfaces for supporting the joint and the associated body members in any one of a plurality of fixed angle positions during normal activity; for quick release from the fixed position to a free-floating condition to enable the wearer to periodically engage the therapeutic and/or rehabilitative exercise of the joint without having to remove the brace; and for quick and facile return to the selected fixed angle position without having to engage in tedious readjustment of the brace following execise.