Importance

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Abstract

The present invention is directed to a patella-femoral brace which includes an elastic sleeve which is sized so as to be securely positionable about a user's leg and which has a bracing plate located therein which becomes positioned adjacent the lateral side of the patella when the elastic sleeve is correctly positioned about the patient's knee. The brace plate may include a protection pad which extends to cover the lateral side of the knee to protect it from impact or contact with other elements of the knee brace. The brace plate is connected to a set of strap members, each located above and below the patella, and each being capable of wrapping around the medial side of the knee, across the back of the leg, and attaching to a rigid support brace. The support brace includes upper and lower cuffs, each having a single hinge arm which connect together at a hinge. The hinge includes a locking mechanism to prevent hyperextension of the knee. The support brace is fixed in its position on the leg, and the straps are fixed to the cuffs of the support brace, such that the brace plate remains in fixed position relative to the knee to cause a medial pressure to be applied to the patella during flexion and extension thereof for preventing mispositioning (subluxation) of the patella.

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First Claim