DonJoy Custom Knee Braces
DonJoy Custom Knee Braces
The DonJoy Defiance is a custom-fabricated, high-performance knee brace designed primarily for ligament protection and return to sport. Known for its lightweight carbon composite frame and low-profile design, the Defiance brace is built to provide maximum stability without limiting athletic performance. Because it is fully custom, the fitting process focuses on precision measurement, hinge alignment, and activity-specific configuration.
How DonJoy Custom Knee Braces Work
DonJoy braces are built with clinically-proven technology, including the 4-Points-of-Leverage System™, and innovative, high-tech materials. Some features include:
- Durable Support: Lightweight carbon fiber composite frame
- Comfortable Fit: Fits comfortably under clothing and sports uniforms
- Ease of Use: Swivel strap tabs for easy application
- Enhanced Comfort: Medial swooping thigh to prevent digging in
The Defiance custom knee brace offers both options for ligament and knee instability and arthritis and joint offloading.
DonJoy Custom Knee Braces Can Help With
DonJoy Defiance custom knee braces are designed for people who need a higher level of knee support than a standard off-the-shelf brace can provide. They may be especially helpful for ligament instability, osteoarthritis, advanced knee conditions, and athletes participating in high-demand or contact sports.
Ligament Support & Knee Instability
- ACL, PCL, MCL, or LCL injuries
- Moderate to severe knee ligament instability
- Knees that feel unstable, weak, or prone to “giving way”
- Support after significant ligament injury
- Return-to-sport bracing after knee injury
- Added protection for cutting, pivoting, or high-demand activity
- Advanced knee support when an over-the-counter brace is not enough
Arthritis, Sport & High-Demand Activity
- Knee osteoarthritis support
- Chronic knee pain during sport, work, or daily activity
- Meniscus-related knee symptoms when added support is needed
- High-demand occupational knee stress
- Contact or high-collision sports such as football, rugby, lacrosse, and motocross
- Recreational and competitive athletes needing durable knee protection
- Activity-related swelling, strain, or loss of confidence in the knee
What to Expect
Booking
You can begin the process of DonJoy Custom Knee Bracing at Stride in one of two ways:
- By booking a discovery call with one of our brace fitters, or
- Through a referral from your treating therapist if they’ve identified that custom bracing would be beneficial for you.
The discovery call, ideal for patients new to the clinic, is designed to help you understand the indications for bracing, associated costs, and what the fitting process involves. If you proceed to an in-person assessment, this appointment will include:
- A review of your injury history and current diagnosis
- Assessment of ligament integrity (ACL, PCL, MCL, LCL)
- Evaluation of knee stability and overall joint alignment
- Range of motion testing
- Discussion of activity demands (sport, occupation, daily life)
- Review of surgical history, if applicable
This evaluation allows us to determine the most appropriate brace type, such as ligament-stabilizing or offloading, and identify any specific design features required to support your knee effectively.
Measurement
To ensure a precise anatomical fit, your leg is measured using a custom measurement device called the CCMI Mark III that accurately allows us to identify things like your joint line position, circumference of the thigh and calf, and variations in knee alignment unique to you.
During the ordering process, specific features are selected based on your needs, including:
- Frame material
- Strap configuration and options
- Padding type
- Hinge type and range-of-motion stops (if required)
- Sport-specific considerations
- Color
The measurements along with your selected features are then submitted to DonJoy’s manufacturing facility, where your brace is fabricated.
Fitting Appointment
Once your brace arrives, you return for a fitting session. During this visit, your clinician will:
- Position and align the hinges with your knee joint line
- Adjust straps for secure suspension and instruct you on how to do the same
- Confirm that the brace tracks properly through flexion and extension
- Check for pressure points
- Ensure proper clearance inside athletic footwear or equipment
You will move through functional tasks such as walking, squatting, lunging, and potentially light sport-specific drills to confirm proper fit and stability.
