United Ortho USA35009 Wraparound Hinged Knee Brace, XXL, Black

UPDATE -9 YEARS LATER:I again would recommend this. I have a new injury on the other side and ordered 3 different ones while I was in the ER. This is better than those (someone had borrowed it and had put it back in the wrong place).Length is perfect for me at 5'8". Getting it in the just right position is tricky but when you do, before removing it, outline the knee vent and side bones to put it back on most effectively. Having someone else help while in a standing position works best. I would not recommend this if you live alone.I'm currently wearing it under stretchy jeans. The waistband has given support to my helpers in assisting me up since the bad leg is just an enemy.Now, the original review from years ago:~~~~~~WOULD I BUY THIS AGAIN? YESI purchased this 4 days after injuring my knee. For me, the problem of pain was difficult, but instability was terrifying--it felt like the knee could hyperextend at any time. I work in an ER and see various injuries--this probably contributes to my fear.This is hinged with metal boning on the sides. Mine prevents hyperextension completely. I work double shifts back-to-back and after 3 days of working, my knee actually felt better so I could tell that I wasn't re-injuring it.I am a review reader and want to address the complaints/comments that concerned me:SIZING--I measured twice-this is a little roomy for me. I am guessing that it's because I didn't take the swelling into account. It might be wise to measure both legs to see if there is a difference. It has a lot of leeway, but if you are honestly on the border between 2 sizes and dieting, the smaller one might be better for you.SLIDING DOWN--I work with a police officer that has had multiple knee injuries and uses various knee braces. She told me that the sliding is often from swelling that is reduced when you put it on. The pressure from the brace actually reduces the size of the knee. Her recommendation was to put it on, wear it for 15-30 minutes, and then completely open it and put it back on. I agree with her. After using this method, I didn't have to readjust it at all during my work day. Also, make sure you put it on while standing. I sit to put it on and stand up to retighten the straps.SLIDING OF THE VELCRO STRAP on the thigh--this is an issue for me. My solution was to fold a strip of old T-shirt around it and tuck it into the top opposite of the sewn attachment. The sliding didn't reduce function, it just made my skin itch in the opening where the plastic rubbed.METAL HINGED BONES--They probably won't poke you if you have the right size and position them where they bend with the knee. Mine only have poked me whne I needed to readjust position. I learned how to get that right on my first day wearing it. Wearing the brace low made this happen, too. Playing with the hinges helped me to see how they should work.SWEAT--Yep, it is thick and wraps around a part that gets a lot of use. You're gonna sweat. I could see the salty borders inside in a few hours. My experienced friend said that you can put a sock or t-shirt under it, (mine would NOT stop sliding that way) but that you just have to accept the sweat as part of what you put up with. All of her different braces result in sweat. She did caution me that this makes it a perfect breeding ground for staph and recommended that I wipe it down after each use with germ-killer.BUNCHING UP behind the knee--To remedy this, when I stand up to retighten, I give the upper center back a good tug, then the sides, then the back again. Solves it for me.