Patent ID: 8292838

Claim:
An orthopedic device having opposed first and second sides along an anterior-posterior plane, the device comprising: first and second shells arranged to secure about anatomical portions of a wearer; first and second uprights connecting respectively to the first and second shells, and located only on the first side of the device; and a hinge connecting to the first and second uprights, the hinge permitting movement of the first and second shells relative to one another into flexion and extension; wherein at least one of the first and second uprights includes a first articulating portion permitting the at least one of the first and second uprights and the respective first or second shell connected thereto to freely rotate generally about an anteroposterior axis with respect to the hinge; and wherein a first stability strap connecting to the first and second shells is selectively adjustable to rotate the at least one of the first and second uprights and the respective first or second shell connected thereto a predetermined amount about the first articulating portion and the first stability strap is further arranged to exert a first force passing through the first articulating portion that is offset by an opposed force created within the hinge, and a second stability strap connecting to the first and second shells is selectively adjustable to rotate the other of the at least one of the first and second uprights and the respective first or second shell connected thereto about the second articulating portion and the second stability strap is further arranged to exert a second force passing through the second articulating portion that is offset by an opposed force created within the hinge when the device is in use by a wearer; wherein the first and second stability straps exert the first and second forces from the second side of the brace; wherein a clearance is formed between the first and second frame members along the second side of the brace.