Frequently Asked Questions
GENERAL QUESTIONS
Q. How much does a brace cost?
A. DJO Incorporated's products are sold through medical facilities and distributors. Please click here to locate your nearest distributor. They can inform you on prices and eventual reimbursement.
Q. How do I order if I am not from the United States of America?
A. You can contact your local distributor. Please click here to locate your nearest distributor. They can help you with the order procedure.
Q. How do I order replacement parts? Can I order them online?
A. Replacement parts can currently be ordered by returning it to the original place of purchase. The distributor will do the rest.
Q. I tore my ACL, MCL, LCL, or Meniscus, what do you suggest?
A. DonJoy makes several functional braces to address instabilities in the knee joint from the custom Defiance to the Playmaker. Since many of these braces are sold by prescription only, we suggest patients seek advice from their medical consultant to ensure they get the correct brace for their specific condition. Of course we are always available to answer your questions. For further information, check our product detail pages here (insert link to product page) or contact your local distributor. Please click here to locate your nearest distributor.
Q. I have a product specific question. Where do I need to go?
A. You will find most of our products online. Click here and select the product that fits you best. If you have further questions, you can either email us with your question at webmaster@djortho.com contact your local distributor. Please click here to locate your nearest distributor.
Q. What kind of warranty do your braces come with?
A. The warranty period depends on the product. Contact your local distributor for product specific information. Please click here to locate your nearest distributor.
Q. What is the difference between all these braces?
A. DJO Incorporated manufactures an array of products, including knee braces, walkers, upper extremity braces, and cold therapy products. Please check our product pages to read more about specific products. Since many of these braces are sold by prescription only, we suggest patients seek advice from their medical consultant to ensure they get the correct brace for their specific condition. Of course, we are always available to assist in selecting the right brace. Contact your nearest distributor here.
FUNCTIONAL KNEE BRACES
Q . What is the difference between the Defiance, Defiance III, 4TITUDE and Legend knee braces?
A. Functionally, there is no difference. Our patented Four Points of Leverage applies to all of these functional braces. The Defiance and Defiance III are constructed of carbon fibre and we specifically recommend them for contact sports. It is a custom brace made individually for each patient. This customization results in an optimal fit, providing the utmost protection and support. The Armor by DonJoy, 4titude and Legend are off-the-shelf or sized braces. These braces provide excellent support and convenience.
BRACING: ACL, PCL AND CI INJURIES
Q. Functional knee braces come in three variations: ACL, PCL and CI. What is the difference between the three and how do I determine which I should order?
A. The functional bracing line was designed to provide ligamentous control to the knee both pre-injury (prophylactically) and post-injury. The majority of product usage occurs post-injury.
The most common ligament injury is a tear of the anterior cruciate ligament or ACL. The second is damage to the posterior cruciate ligament or PCL, while the third is a combination injury to both the ACL and PCL ligaments (Combined Instabilities or CI), usually caused by a major trauma to the knee joint. Because each of these injuries creates specific indications in the joint, we apply the appropriate leverage forces to support the affected ligament. Therefore, when an ACL is torn, we recommend an ACL specific brace. This brace will supply the appropriate force loads to control any anterior tibial movement that the ACL itself would usually control. Likewise, a PCL or CI brace will address the specific needs of these injuries.
OSTEOARTHRITIS BRACING
Q. When treating Osteoarthritis (OA) with a Adjustableefiance OA Defiance, how much load is appropriate?
A. The Defiance is a custom brace, specifically fitted to a single patient. Therefore, the corrective load should be specific. Because OA is different in all patients and is determined by the degree of degeneration and pain, the force applied to the joint is going to vary. The Defiance offers load choices of 1 degree through 7 degrees. If unsure about a specific load, 3 degrees is a standard.
Q. What is the ideal bracing choice for the patients who do not need or cannot tolerate a brace as rigid as the Defiance for treating OA?
A. The perfect brace for these individuals is the OAdjuster. An off-the-shelf brace, it can be moulded and shaped to a patient's leg without compromising the functionality of the product. This unique brace features an adjustable frame that can vary the force applied to the knee, thereby treating unicompartmental osteoarthritis. It is also a double upright brace that can accommodate ligamentous instabilities. Other braces that feature a single upright can only be used to treat unicompartmental OA.
FLEXION AND EXTENSION
Q. What flexion and extension stops are provided with your functional braces?
A. Our functional braces come installed with a ten-degree extension stop and ship with a 0, 20, 30 and 40 degree stop. The flexion stops are placed at 45, 60, 75 and 90 degrees. A separate full flex/extension stop is offered to completely immobilize the brace. We limit the range because the braces are designed to be worn after a patient has achieved greater range-of-motion or ROM control.
OFF-THE-SHELF BRACING
Q. How many different sizes of off-the-shelf braces are there and how do you determine the size?
A. We offer seven different sizes of off-the-shelf braces. They range from extra small through triple extra large. Sizing is determined by taking a measurement of the thigh, circumferentially, six inches (15 cm) above mid-patella or knee cap.
| XS = 13" - 15 ½" | (33 – 39 cm) |
| S = 15 ½" - 18 ½" | (39 – 47 cm) |
| M = 18 ½" - 21" | (47 – 53 cm) |
| L = 21" - 23 ½" | (53 – 60 cm) |
| XL = 23 ½" - 26 ½" | (60 – 67 cm) |
| XXL = 26 ½" - 29 ½" | (67 – 75 cm) |
| XXXL = 29 ½" - 32" | (75 – 81,25 cm) |
BRACING: MCL AND LCL
Q. What brace do you suggest for MCL and LCL injuries?
A. MCL and LCL injuries are common but less severe than ACL and PCL injuries because MCL and LCL injuries can heal without invasive surgical procedures. With medial and lateral support these ligaments can heal and normal function will usually return. Depending on the grade of injury (I, II or III), a 4titude or Playmaker is recommended.
CUSTOM CONTOUR MEASURING INSTRUMENT
Q. What is the function of the CCMI (Custom Contour Measuring Instrument)?
A. The CCMI is a specially designed measuring device used to accurately record the physical measurements and elevation of the leg. It records fifteen different anatomical reference points in preparation for the creation of a custom brace. Measuring tapes at the thigh and calf take into account the width and depth of these areas while contours report an accurate arch of the thigh and calf cuffs. The angle of the knee joint and the girth of the knee are taken to complete the measuring of the leg. From these measurements we are able to generate a product that is truly specific to the patient.
POST-OP BRACING
Q. Can the Post-op braces be bent to fit the patient's leg?
A. Yes, the Telescoping Post-op braces can be bent for a varus or valgus condition above and below the hinge and at the aluminum extension bars. Note that once the extension bars are bent, they may not slide well to shorten but can be extended and removed. Other DonJoy Post-op braces have all aluminium bars and can also be bent to fit the patient's leg.