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.
Can be used with any playmaker knee brace.
FourcePoint Technology
