The helicoid knee brace: a lightweight but effective support for the damaged knee.

A lightweight helicoid knee brace is described. It allows the knee to flex and extend freely in its natural pattern of movement, while absorbing valgus/varus stresses and preventing untoward rotational motion. This brace is suitable for supporting the damaged knee joint during sporting activity. Many knees disabled by post-traumatic arthritis are enabled to resume comfortable participation in golf, bowls and gardening. Over 150 patients have used the brace with satisfying results for the following indications: (i) instability due to sports and athletic injuries 93 (+/- 60 per cent) (ii) convalescence after injury or operation 12 (+/- 10 per cent). (iii) pain in the middle-aged arthritic knee where instability is usually part of the problem 45 (+/- 30 per cent).