A hinged knee brace is required when a knee has been severely injured or immediately after knee surgery. One can purchase a hinged knee brace at a pharmacy.

A knee brace can be used as substitute for plastering for injuries to the knee cap. If the knee cap is not broken, a knee brace can allow for more flexibility.

A hinged knee brace is a knee brace with padded metal hinges on either side. They are very helpful, because when your knee collapses or cannot support weight, the hinges hold your knee in place and up. I have the KNAPP Hinged Knee Orthosis Brace which I strongly recommend if you are looking into knee braces.

When you get a knee injury.

You do not need a knee brace if you are sure that it is just a contusion. A knee brace can be helpful for ligament and cartilage injuries and sometimes is used if there is some doubt.