What Is a ROM Brace? Range of Motion Control Explained
What is a ROM brace?
The Quick Answer
A **ROM (Range of Motion) brace** is an orthopedic device with adjustable metal hinges that restrict knee flexion and/or extension to physician-prescribed angles during healing. It protects surgical repairs or ligament injuries by preventing harmful movements while permitting controlled motion that stimulates tissue remodeling—critical for preventing stiffness without compromising structural integrity.
Why We Ask This
Patients misunderstand ROM braces as purely restrictive devices, either removing them prematurely to 'test mobility' or keeping them locked too long—both extremes causing complications: re-injury from excessive motion or permanent stiffness from immobilization.
The Practical Science
ROM braces leverage controlled motion principles: early protected movement (within safe limits) enhances collagen alignment during healing while preventing scar tissue adhesions. Hinge stops mechanically block motion beyond prescribed angles—providing objective safety margins that subjective 'pain-guided' movement cannot.
In Clinical Practice
Following meniscus repair, a ROM brace initially locks at 0°–90° for 4 weeks to protect the healing zone, then gradually increases to 0°–120° over weeks 5–8—allowing progressive loading that stimulates fibrocartilage remodeling without exceeding tissue tolerance thresholds.
References & Context
Range of Motion (ROM) Brace - Queensland Health"You have been prescribed a ROM brace to support and/or restrict knee movement during your recovery. A ROM brace has a metal hinge in the middle of the brace which can be locked to stop some bending and/or straightening of your knee depending on your injury."