DonJoy Armor Knee Brace with FourcePoint Hinge

Questions on DonJoy Armor Knee Brace with FourcePoint Hinge

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• From Mark Potenzone at 3/29/10 6:58 AM
  • We have a ForcePoint knee brace for my daughter and now we want to buy a Sports Cover for it because the straps are irritating her other leg.
    
    How can I tell what size brace she has?
    
    And is the Sports Cover the best thing to use for this?
    
    Thanks
    
    Mark
    
    mpoten@verizon.net
    
  • The DonJoy Sports Brace Cover (http://www.betterbraces.com/donjoy-sports-brace-cover-10) is perfect for this purpose. It covers the knee brace to not only protect others during team sports, but also the unbraced leg. It also helps keep your knee warmer and it helps keep the hinges free from dirt and debris. You can see the sizing under the padding of your knee brace and you can also measure her leg and choose the right size from the sizing chart when ordering the sports brace cover.
• From Al at 4/2/10 1:35 PM
  • What's the difference between this brace and the regular Armor? I can't figure out why this one costs $50 more...
  • The difference is due to the fact that this brace comes equipped with FourcePoint hinges.
    
    The DonJoy FourcePoint Hinge is the only bracing technology clinically proven to protect the ACL. The FourcePoint Hinge enhances the DonJoy Four Points of Leverage system by damping knee joint extension, improving the brace's mechanical performance, and reducing knee shear forces. The FourcePoint Hinge utilizes a spring mechanism to apply a gradually increasing amount of resistance during knee extension. The resistance reduces the time spent near full extension, or in the at risk position, increases the posterior load applied by the brace on the tibia to prevent anterior tibial translation, and gives patients a more natural gait by applying progressive resistance before reaching a firm end point.
    
    The resistance can start at flexion angles between 25° and 65° and engages during the last 25° of extension prior to coming to a hard stop. Five different resistance levels are available to meet rehab protocol specifications and provide comfort. The resistance can be adjusted using the supplied allen wrench to modify the set screw placement. The same wrench can be used to turn the resistance completely off by simply flipping a switch.
    
    Clinical studies have also shown that the DonJoy FourcePoint Hinge increases knee flexion angles during the run-stop-jump task. Because the hamstring insertion angle increases and the quadriceps become mechanically disadvantaged as the knee becomes more flexed, anterior shear forces on the tibia and ACL strain are reduced. Therefore, athletes returning to sport after an ACL reconstruction who wear a DonJoy ACL brace equipped with FourcePoint Hinges can protect themselves while engaging in activities involving the run-stop-jump task.
• From André at 5/22/10 5:48 PM
  • What's the difference between the standard and short calf lenght? Is it the same performance?
  • Standard calf: 16"
    Short calf: 14"
    (total length of brace)
    
    A shorter calf on the DonJoy Armor is recommended for shorter individuals (under 5'7) and patients who ski or ride motocross. The length of the brace has no effect on the functionality of the brace.
• From diane at 10/24/10 5:28 PM
  • strap number one does not fit tight on me. As a matter of fact, there is a gap between my leg (lateral) and the brace frame. The brace frame does not follow the shape of my leg. Will this present a problem for me? I have only used it around the house at this point to try and get use to it. and I'm concerned about it sliding down during heavier activity.
    
    Thanks
  • Hello Diane,
    
    The DonJoy Armor Knee Brace with FourcePoint Hinge is malleable. Have you tried to bend the thigh cuffs to fit your leg?
    
    If you advise your Order # I can have a replacement strap sent @ no charge.
• From Todd Rovello at 11/30/10 7:29 AM
  • I am 3 weeks out of ACL reconstructive surgery, and researching which brace might be best for me. My MCL was torn as well. I lead an active lifestyle, but my main concerns are walking rough, uneven terrain for my job. I also participate in watersports, some snow skiing, and coach fastpitch softball. Contact sports are a thing of the past for me. Any advice would be appreciated.
  • Hello Todd,
    
    The Armor Knee Brace will definitely assist in the ACL recovery and support, as well as provide stability to the knee.
    
    If contact sports are not a concern, a DonJoy Legend SE-4 Knee Brace (http://www.betterbraces.com/donjoy-legend-se-4-knee-brace-41) may be preferable to an Armor as the armor is typically used for athlete level protection..
    
    If a rigid brace is not a requirement, we also have:
    
    DonJoy Drytex Playmaker Wraparound/Sleeve
    http://www.betterbraces.com/donjoy-drytex-playmaker-wraparound-sleeve
    
    DonJoy Deluxe Hinged Knee
    http://www.betterbraces.com/donjoy-drytex-neoprene-deluxe-hinged-knee-wraparound-sleeve
• From Alex Gonzalez at 12/6/10 10:18 AM
  • I just tore my ACL and MCL two weeks ago racing motocross, i am trying to postpone surgery for a year at least while the racing season comes to an end. I am basically looking for the best brace you have to support my knee and give it the best stability it needs to race motocross and do some cycling . I need the best stability for my knee to feel atble and not give way. Ive come across the donjoy armor extreme and now the donjoy armor with fource point hinge. Which would you guys recommend ?
  • Hello Alex,
    
    We recommend the combination of the DonJoy Armor Knee Brace with Standard Hinge (http://www.betterbraces.com/donjoy-armor-knee-brace-83) and the DonJoy Impact Guard Knee And Shin Protector (http://www.betterbraces.com/donjoy-impact-guard-knee-and-shin-protector)
    
    Let me know @ service@betterbraces.com if you have any other questions.
• From Joseph Tuozzoli at 1/12/11 3:21 PM
  • Hello, Im 6'7" and have a history of severe lyme disease starting 8 years ago in which it has affected my ACL, PCL, MCL and LCL, mind you I have never torn anything, my ligaments are just worn out. Being my height, do I need something custom and if so which brace is right for me, I want to improve my skiing and get back into lacrosse but also relieve pain caused by my disease.
  • Whether or not you need a custom would depend on two things:
    
    1) what do your leg measurements look like (thigh circ at 6 in above knee ctr, calf circ at 6 in below knee ctr, and circ right at knee ctr)
    2) What activities do you plan on doing while wearing the brace?
    
    If all you measurements fit into one size range and you’re aren’t doing high impact contact sports (Football, Hockey, Dirt bike, etc) then an Off The Shelf knee brace will be fine. Otherwise, a Custom Defiance would be a good idea.
• From Sophie at 1/14/11 7:51 PM
  • I had my 2nd ACL reconstruction on my left knee last May and am looking to return to playing lacrosse and field hockey as well as take a skiing holiday. I do not play any contact sports. I tore my ACL both times playing field hockey so looking for a bit of support and reassurance. Due to the wide number of choices (from Donjoy alone!), I'm not sure what to choose, for example, why should I choose this brace over the Donjoy one that is specifcally for females? What is the main different between this new hinge and the older one? I did not injure my MCL or PCL but have a small sub-surface tear of the medial meniscus which my doctor did not consider serious and did not require any surgical treatment.
    
    Thanks.
  • Hello Sophie,
    
    Similarities:
    Both will address ACL.
    Both have a Medial thigh swoop.
    Both have a moldable frame for a custom fit
    Both feature FourcePoint Hinge Technology.
    
    Differences:
    Color - Armor is Grey. Female Fource is black and comes with a Custom Graphics Sticker Kit to personalize the brace to your own liking.
    Impact resistance - Armor heavier and more resistant to impact, Female Fource is lighter
    Length - Armor is Available in Standard and Short Calf lengths.
    
    If you have more specific questions, please give us a call at 800-553-6019 and we'll have a product specialist assist you.
• From Jane at 1/24/11 7:26 AM
  • How much does the armor brace weigh?
  • 1.35 lbs
• From Earl M at 2/26/11 2:31 PM
  • I have been a user of ankle braces for two years now, I have read on some articles, however, that an ankle brace might also put strain on one's knees. I am now looking to buy a knee brace. Are the knee braces meant only for those who have already suffered knee injuries or can they be preventive/protective as well? What model do you recommend for someone who just wants to protect/limit his knee from injuries? If I wore a knee brace without having been injured, does that put more risk to me because of my dependence on a brace, which thereby weakens my knees and the surrounding muscles? Thanks!
    
  • Hey Earl,
    There are a lot of elements to your question, so let's see if we can answer them all. Some ankle braces can put extra strain on your knees, but it depends on the nature of the ankle brace. If you are in a brace that limits the range of moition of your ankle then the extra force doese in fact have to go somewhere. However, the ankle brace would have to be very limiting in dorsi-flexion and/or plantar flexion to really cause injury to the knee. Most of our braces do not limit in those plains of movement much, if at all. Our braces are designed to limit Inversion and Eversion, which are moevements that your body normally restricts with your ligaments. However, when an injury occurs the ligaments stretch or partially tear and thus you need something to compensate for the lack of strength and support they gave you.
    Our knee braces can be used for post-injury or injury prevention. If your knees are healthy and your activity levels are mild to moderate then I would recommend a Donjoy Playmaker Brace. If you do intense sports or extreme activities then we would have to go into more detail about those activities to recommend the proper brace for you.
    there hasn't been any real definitive studies on the weakening of muscular tissue while wearing braces. Generally it's thought that a person loses some of their bio-feedback or proprioception while wearing a brace. And for this reason the general thought is that if you are only wearing a brace for injury prevention, then you should use it when you are doing activities that are high-risk. when involved in dynamic activities in which there are many variables (such as basketball, football, soccer, etc), a brace is a good idea. When in a controlled environment with less risk variables (such as jogging, lifting weights, daily life, etc) a brace would not be needed.
    I hope this answers your questions.
    
    
    Thanks,
    Mike
• From g at 3/3/11 11:19 PM
  • Could you please elaborate on the difference between Legend and Legend SE-4 versions.
  • The design and materials of the brace are exactly the same. The Legend comes with an extra set of brace liners and condyle pads, and the SE 4-point does not have those. The SE 4-point also has a two-tone color on the thigh to differentiate the two braces.
• From Amy at 6/9/11 11:49 AM
  • My husband has a DonJoy brace and we are wondering it there is a lock position on it. He has re-injured his knee and we need the brace to stay in a locked, straight position.
  • There is a full extension stop kit that you can get, you will have to contact your local sales rep to help you order and show you how to put the stops in and take them out. Here is the website to find your local rep: http://www.djoglobal.com/en_US/DJO_Sales_Rep_Locator.html
• From Nicholle Knapp at 6/12/11 3:03 PM
  • I am a competitive high school soccer player. I recently tore my ACL and sprained the other ligaments in my knee. I am looking for a custom brace with the maximum level of protection for my ACL. Is thisa custom molded brace and if not which brace do you recommend?
    Thank you.
  • No the Armor is our highest level of off the shelf knee brace. Our Defiance is the only custom brace we offer and is the highest level of protection.
• From Michael at 6/22/11 6:30 AM
  • Is the FourcePoint Hinge brace a good canidate to use in watersports such as skiing?
  • Hi Michael,
    The Fourcepoint hinge is used whenever there is a need or desire to hinder Hyper-Extension, protect the ACL, and Protect the Cartilage in the knee. The Armor and the Fullforce are very good braces for watersports, but maintenance will be key. Be sure to rinse your brace with fresh water after getting out of the pool, lake, or ocean. Dry the brace well, and then use dry teflon lubricant on the hinges. And Chamois liners are a good idea also because they will last longer with water activity. I hope this helps.
    
    Thanks
• From Karen Mielke at 7/8/11 12:52 PM
  • My son is an offensive lineman (6'2" 265#) and we got these braces today. The medial condyle pad was very uncomfortable (painful) on both braces, such that he was sure the braces were too small, but he seems comfortable now that we replaced them with two of the included flat pads. Is that okay? The braces are snug, but otherwise seems to fit. He says they don't hurt but feel "stiff," which I'm guessing is to be expected.
  • Yes it is appropriate to change out the condyle pads to allow the brace to fit properly. Are the hinges stiff or just the overall fit?
• From Namgo Chan at 7/19/11 2:55 AM
  • Hi I want to order this brace, short calf , I have measured my leg and my measurements fall between a medium and small. my thigh is a 17.5 which falls into a small and my knee is a 15"(still a bit swollen from surgery three weeks out of surgery, as my other knee normal is 14") which is a medium and my calf is a 14" which is just barely a medium. should I order small or medium? can I get a custom made? Should i order the defiance 3? I do need the fource point hinge is it available with the defiance 3? I am overseas right now but want to place this order so when I get back to the states on Aug 1st 2011 I have this brace, as I have to be back in China on the 20th, these Chinese braces just don't cut it." DONJOY please help" thanks sincerely Joe "OH" what is the ski version armor??
  • I would advise to order the Medium. You will regain the muscle back in your thigh area. Until then, if the thigh feels little big, you can simply squeeze down that thigh bar to fit, till you start to again the muscle back. We do, do specials on this brace and mix the thigh and calf sizes, but that has to be done directly through DonJoy and there is additional charge for that and the brace is not returnable. Since you just had surgery, your thigh will be slighly smaller than normal, but like i said it will regain it's size as you heal. You can do a Custom Defiance that is also another way to go. The ForcePoint hinge is available on both braces. With a custom brace you have to be measured by a special measuring device before the brace can be made. Ski armor is not really different than the short calf armor. I would just advise to go with a short calf armor with ForcePoint hinge.
• From Chris at 7/30/11 12:08 PM
  • I would like to order my son the New Armor FourcePoint knee braces for protection during football, however I am not sure which size would fit best.
    
    According to my measurements his Thigh is 23.5 Knee is 18.25 & Calf is 16
    With a Thigh measurement exactly in the middle would it be best to get the large or XL considering his small calf? or should I get the one that fits knee best and try to adjust as needed?
    
    L Thigh 21"- 23 1/2" Knee 15"-17" Calf 16"-18"
    XL Thigh 23 1/2" - 26 1/2" Knee 17"-19" Calf 18"-20"
    
    Thanks
  • Donjoy Armor tends to run small so I would recommend the XL.
• From Joyce at 12/18/11 6:36 PM
  • I ski, nordic and alpine, snowmobile and wakeboard. With an ACL injury. I thought the Donjoy Armor knee brace with FourcePoint hinge would be the brace for me, but does it have the Medial Ski Deflector?
  • Hi Joyce,
    
    Yes, the Armor is the best choice brace for the activities you participate in. When ordering select the "Armor Ski" version, this is the version with the ski deflector.
    
    If you have additional questions, please call 1-800-553-6019.
    
    Have a nice day.
• From Phil Ingram at 1/12/12 10:25 AM
  • I ride motocross and have both LCL and MCL injuries due to hyper-extension and straight legged impact. I am looking for the best support from re-injury but to also minimize discomfort when riding, running, etc. Will the fource point hinge be too restrictive when riding my bike?
  • The Armor with FP hinges would be recommended to prevent hyperextension. The lbs. of pressure can be adjusted for functional purposes. Should you have any questions give us a call at 888-405-3251.
• From Abbas at 3/21/12 1:22 PM
  • I tore my ACL a couple of years ago playing soccer and never had a reconstructive surgery. I got to the point where I am running 3-4 miles and doing plyometrics after he injury. I played some flag football yesterday for the first time since injury and had no brace on. The knee felt good sprinting and cutting but I feel a little irritation in knee today. I am now trying to get back into soccer but still a little scared and nervous. What knee brace would you recommend for playing soccer and contact sports with a torn ACL?
    
    Thanks in advance.
    
    Abbas
  • Donjoy Armor with FP Hinges for contact sports to protect the ACL.
• From Ruben Ramirez at 5/11/12 4:19 PM
  • how can i get a diagram of how the straps go on my armor forcepoint knee brace its been awile since i used it thank you.
  • Log on to : http://www.donjoy.com/index.asp/fuseaction/patients.videos
    
• From sandeep at 5/30/12 2:24 AM
  • hi
    I am a cricket player but 5 year back i had an bike accident and my knee was injured. since then i can not run or put more pressure on my knee, even i cannot jump from 2ft height or climb stairs. which knee brace will useful for me.
    regards
    sandeep
    India
  • What is your injury or diagnosis?
• From matt at 6/6/12 10:34 AM
  • Should this brace be able to handle sliding in baseball/softball? And also I ruptured my acl and I currently own this brace but was wondering if the fourcepoint hinges are good for this injury or should I disengage them so they act as a standard hinge? I wanted the fourcepoint so that after I have surgery which probably won't be until November, I could use it during my recovery as well.
  • The Armor with FP hinges would be the best product for your condition and activity level. The FP hinges are the only hinges clinically proven to protect the ACL specifically.
• From Geo at 6/26/12 9:49 PM
  • Where's this store located at
  • We do not have a physical location for our store, we have our online store at: http://www.betterbraces.com/
• From Geo at 6/26/12 10:08 PM
  • Where's this store located at
  • We doo not have a physical address for a store. We sale through retail through our online store: http://www.betterbraces.com/
• From Chuck Nichols at 8/20/12 6:20 PM
  • Is this the best knee brace for our offensive linemen?
  • Outside of our custom made Defiance, yes. This brace is used by several D1 footbal programs.
• From Aren at 2/11/13 6:46 PM
  • Hi,
    
    I injured my medial meniscus in HS and have reaggravated it on several occasions over the last decade. I injured it again last week playing hockey when I took impact to the outside go my leg. I would like a brace that could give me support playing a physical sport like hockey while still giving me range of movement. I have never been diagnosed with acl or mcl tears. What knee brace do you recommend?
    
    Thanks,
    Aren
    
  • Hello, Aren -
    
    The DonJoy Armor Knee Brace is the most highly recommended for high contact/collision activities such as hockey and football. Because you have medial meniscus injuries and no ACL or MCL involvement, you probably do not need this type of rigid frame brace. We would recommend the DonJoy Reaction as more of an appropriate choice.
    
    http://www.betterbraces.com/donjoy-reaction-knee-brace
    
    This would allow for minimal to no limitation in your range of motion and still provide appropriate support to your medial meniscus.
    
    If you have further questions, please feel free to contact our product specialists at 888-405-3251.
    
    Thank you and have a wonderful day!
• From Antonio at 2/16/13 11:20 AM
  • I tored my acl and strained my mcl of my left knee. I bought a large don joy armor knee brace. I feel that the hinges ao pressing my knee, feeling a little tight. Should they run tight or more lose? Should i change them for an extra large size?
  • Hello, Antonio -
    
    I would make sure that you have measured yourself correctly
    1. circumference of center of knee
    2. circumference of thigh 6" above knee center
    3. circumference of calf, 6" below knee center
    
    If you feel tightness in the hinge area, this may indicate that the brace is too small and you would need to go to the XL size.
    
    If you have further questions, please feel to contact our product spealists at 888-405-3251.
    
    Thank you and have a wonderful day!
• From Nico at 3/19/13 11:32 AM
  • Hi,
    I tore my ACL while playing soccer and I'm looking for a good brace to start playing again when I'm done with PT.
    1 - What's the difference between the DonJoy FullForce and the DonJoy Armor with FourPoint hinge?
    2 – Can I exchange the brace to a different size if the one I get doesn’t fit well?
    Thank you
    
  • Nico,
    All of our braces have a 90 day return policy for any reason on betterbraces. Both braces have a year warranty, the Armor is the most rigid brace off the shelf. It is used by 21 of the 25 BCS football teams. It is used for contact sports such as footbal and soccer. The Armor is made from a stronger aircraft grade aluminum, as opposed to the FullForce. Those are the major differences.
• From Gemitron L. at 4/8/13 10:18 PM
  • I Play Football And Power Lift...So My Circunfritcs Of Lower Thigh And Calf Is Slightly Larger The My Length Compared To Your Guys Chart. How Should I Go About Getting It Correct?
  • Hello -
    
    It would be best if you contacted our Product Specialists at 888-405-3251 and discuss your measurements. We would need you to provide us with all three measurements in order to make an appropriate recommendation.
    
    Thank you and have a wonderful day!

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