Defiance III Knee Brace

I tore my ACL but did not get the surgery. I wear this brace whenever I'm playing sports like soccer, basketball, and ultimate. I've had it for just a little over a year now. The brace does what its supposed to and supports the knee joint well HOWEVER it is quite difficult to maintain. It tends to squeak a lot. As recommended by a Donjoy product specialist, a dry film teflon spray was used but the squeaking returns within minutes of activity - this is not only annoying but it gives my opponents an advantage as they know where I am and how fast I am going (rate of squeaks) at all times. It is also difficult to clean out the hinges when there is sand or debris stuck inside (I feel that this is what caused the squeaking in the first place). Running water through did not do the trick (another method recommended by DonJoy). Furthermore, the pads on the hinge keep falling off as the velco that is attached on to the brace frame seem to have lost its adhesion. Lastly, this is a minor issue but as there are so many velcro straps, it can get messy after pulling the brace out of the bag - it can take a while to un-velcro everything and put on the brace.

Last year I dislocated my knee, ripped my quad and tore my ACL, MCL and ACL. After five surgeries and 4.5 months of in home PT, my surgeon wrote a prescription for my Donjoy Defiance III, and it allowed me to have a normal life. I now have three, one I carry to work as a backup, and the other is use when I get into my pool, although getting it wet is not advised by the manufacturer. These braces have allowed me to return to work in the ICU and to have a normal life. They are a custom fit, and the measurements must be precise, therefore a Donjoy representative, or brace fitting technician should be contacted.

I had my ACL repaired on Feb 20, 2014, and have been wearing the defiance III since Mid March. Since I have to wear the brace for the next few months, I'm glad to report that it's comfortable. It's very light weight, and I feel more confident outside when I wear it- I know it's going to protect me while my knee and my new ACL heal. It's a bit pricey, but worth every penny- if you don't want to re-injure yourself.

Great product! Been using mine for 20 years now with no complaints. Holds my knee together well after my mcl, acl being severed back in 85. Much better design verses my Lennox Hill brace. But you need to be fitted for it.