Mackie Hinge Knee Brace
Patient Application Instructions (PDF File)
Patient Information
Prefab Knee Bill Sheet
Wearing Protocols

The Mackie Hinge Knee Brace was developed on the basis of our success with the Mackie Hinge Elbow Brace. The Mackie Hinge Knee Brace uses a unique rotating hinge mounted on a rigid, non-contact frame. This design offers simplicity of function, strong construction, and superior patient comfort. The Mackie hinge mechanism is engineered to allow for smooth and infinite positional settings. Because human physiology varies greatly from individual to individual, the hinge adjustability allows the patient to control how much force is applied to achieve the best result. For this patient-directed approach to be successful, patient tolerance and compliance is crucial. Static-Progressive Stretch is a proven concept for effective and permanent gain in range of motion.

The Mackie Hinge Knee Brace also has the ability to be used in both flexion and extension. This can avoid the added expense of a second brace because many patients require stretch in both directions. It also helps reduce the risk that range of motion might be lost in the opposite direction. Patient Application Instructions are easy to understand. Physician prescribed Wearing Protocols allow the patient to incrementally stretch the joint to tolerance by turning the knobs to increase range of motion in either flexion or extension. The Mackie Hinge Knee Brace can be used with a variety of wearing protocols, that may be customized based on physician preference and patient need. Always follow your physicians instructions if they are different from our suggestions.

(Ortho Innovations distributes these products only through qualified professionals. They are only to be used following the prescription of a Medical Doctor. The prescribing physician’s instructions take precedence over any instructions given here or in printed material.)

Wearing Protocols
The patient is instructed to take their pain medication and applies the brace one hour before bedtime. The force knobs are rotated to the maximum extension that the patient can tolerate. At bedtime, when the soft tissues have adapted to that length and the pain meds are working, the patient then adjusts the hinges to an increased amount of extension, still governed by the amount of temporary discomfort and tolerance of pressure against the skin. The hinges of the Mackie Knee Extension Brace are not designed for ambulatory wear, so the night protocol is the most desired approach. This also allows the patient full mobility during the day, with the therapeutic benefit of normal walking and activity. In some cases where more aggressive contracture management is indicated, the patient is instructed to apply the orthosis during non-ambulatory times of the day such as at mealtimes.

Using alternative wearing protocols is also effective. For a shorter duration daytime use, a more aggressive approach can be used. The position is held for five minutes, allowing the soft tissue to relax and resistance to decrease. The patient then increases the ROM to the point of tissue resistance, never to pain, and holds for five more minutes. This pattern is repeated for a total treatment session of 30 minutes a day. The protocol progresses with the addition of 30 minute sessions per day for each additional week. The patient never exceeds three 30 minute sessions a day.

Ortho Innovations distributes these products through qualified professionals. They are only to be used following the prescription of a Medical Doctor. The prescribing physician’s instructions take precedence over any instructions given here or in printed material.