The Fullforce design combines two clinically-proven DonJoy technologies in one brilliantly performing brace. Our 4-Points-of-Leverage System provides ligament stability and significantly reduces ACL strain. DonJoy's FourcePoint hinge dampens knee joint extension, which increases flexion angles and reduces anterior shear forces on the tibia. The result - less strain on the ACL and a considerable decrease in the chance of injury. Together, these two technologies add up to ironclad confidence.
The
FullForce is one to consider if you play soccer or basketball, or if you are a wide
receiver, surf boarder, or similar. Martial arts participants might need the
DonJoy Sports Cover, to protect opponents from metal parts.
Constructed from strong, carbon-coated aircraft grade aluminum, the brace is designed to distribute strain placed on the ACL via four points on the tibia (shin bone). Testing has proven that wearing the brace decreases the load on the ACL in both weight bearing and non-weight bearing conditions.
The FullForce four points system and hinge technology work together to continually correct any knee instability, making injury less likely.
The brace treats or prevents:
· ACL or PCL instability
· MCL or LCL instability
· Post-reconstructive surgery for ACL or PCL injury
· Hyperextension
For ACL instability, choose the ACL option. It has five straps, two for the posterior thigh, two for the anterior calf, and one for the lower posterior calf.
For a knee that has instability in both the ACL and PCL, choose the CI (combined instability) option. It has the same straps as the ACL option plus one extra on the anterior thigh.
The FullForce does support the MCL; choose the ACL option.
Choosing the correct size seems to be fairly straightforward. The
standard length option is 16” in length, from the thigh bar to the calf bar, and has a thigh cuff that is 1” longer than the short option.
There is no specific adaptation for the female frame and the advice is for women to choose the short version. This is also best for anyone
5’ 3” or shorter, or who has a calf muscle that sits high on the leg. Athletes participating in sports such as skiing, motocross, or riding might also find this the best option.
Sometimes movement of the brace on the leg can be an issue. The aluminum is able to bend without breaking, so the cuff can be adjusted for a closer fit. If movement is an issue, you might want to consider using an undersleeve or some silicon strap padding.
Replacement parts are available. The brace should arrive with additional condyle pads (that attach at the brace hinges). If the brace feels too tight around the knee, the standard pads can be replaced with the 2mm (thinnest) pads.
Taking care of the brace is simple. It has plastic tables and metal “D” rings so rust shouldn’t really be an issue, but if the brace is submerged in salt water or chlorinated water it should be rinsed off in freshwater and air dried. Wash any soft parts by hand with laundry detergent, rinse, and air dry. Don’t put soft parts in the dryer. A Teflon-based dry lubricant (like a bicycle chain lubricant) is good for the hinges.
If you register for it, DonJoy provides a guarantee that if your ACL is re-ruptured while wearing the FullForce brace, they will pay $750 towards the cost of surgery.