Skin breakdown and other problems can develop if the hinge is not at the joint line. There should not be much space between the brace and the skin. Initially, the patient wears the brace 24 hours a day, progressing to just during activity, practice, and games, says Poole. Communicating with an athlete's coach is important, because they decide whether or not to play that person. The physician has to fit the brace based on the patient's activity and preferences.
Many factors influence patient compliance, such as effectiveness, attractiveness, and color.
Physicians also need to evaluate the patient's feelings about wearing the brace. If I just look at the biologic and the mechanical nature of the bracing prescription, I've missed two-thirds of the boat. The McGraw-Hill Companies.