We are pleased to offer the Breg Airmesh PTO patellar knee brace with an open back. The PTO is one of the world's most relied-upon brace for the treatment of kneecap (patella) problems, including

• Patella subluxation

• Patella dislocation

• Chronic patellar maltracking

• Patellofemoral pain syndrome

• Excess lateral pressure syndrome

• Anterior knee pain

• Chondromalacia

• Patellar tendonitis

• Post surgical lateral release (arthroscopic or open)

• Post patella realignment surgery

The Breg PTO knee brace effectively reduces and treats pain and instability from patellar maltracking. Typically, this is the most common cause of knee pain in women — from teenage years to middle age. It can also affect men, as well. The brace features a patented Cawley Tension Hinge, that is proven to normalize patellar tracking at the most critical point of knee motion: full extension. This is the part of motion when the knee cap is most likely to slide outwards (laterally) and cause either pain or subluxation. By dynamically adjusting the amount of compression applied from the lateral pressure plate on the buttress, the Cawley Tension Hinge aids in pain relief by forming a soft tissue wall that controls patellar subluxation. Most other braces on the market tighten the restraint to lateral subluxation as the knee flexes — that's not where you need it most. The PTO is specifically designed to tighten its patellar restraint as the knee straightens (comes into extension).

In accordance with our philosophy of offering products we recommend for our own patients, we recommend the Airmesh fabric style of this brace. While it is also available in neoprene (via special order from us — please contact us), we believe this fabric is more breathable and comfortable.

The Breg PTO knee brace also has light covered hinges to give your knee additional support in side to side motions, which is how it differs from our other popular patellofemoral brace, the DonJoy J knee brace. Many insurance companies have stopped reimbursement for patellofemoral knee braces if they don't include medial/lateral supports and hinges; you should verify with your insurer if you plan to pursue reimbursement.

Be sure to review the instructions (PDF, 499KB) for this knee brace.

1. Why is the PTO the top selling patellofemoral knee brace in the world? The Breg PTO knee brace has been around for about 10 years, but has withstood the test of time because of its patented hinge. It is unique in the patellar bracing market because of this design that allows it to maximize stability with your knee out straight (when your patella is most prone to being unstable).
2. How does the Breg PTO knee brace compare to the Donjoy J knee brace? While it is more expensive, this is a much more "serious" patellar brace. We recommend the DonJoy J knee brace for cases of mild chondromalacia and pain; the PTO knee brace is better in cases of kneecap instability, e.g., dislocation, subluxation and more significant chondromalacia or excess lateral pressure syndrome. The PTO knee brace has a better patellar tracking system and hinges. Many insurers no longer reimburse for the DonJoy J knee brace because it does not have hinges.
3. How does the Breg PTO compare to the DonJoy TruPull? The PTO knee brace has a hinge that tensions better in extension than the DonJoy TruPull knee brace. The TruPull's patellar support mechanism is a softer rubber than the PTO knee brace.
4. What is Airmesh? Airmesh is Breg's patented fabric that is durable, less prone to sensitivity, and most importantly, more breathable than neoprene (which is found in many bracing products). If you prefer the neoprene version, please contact us.

Use the information below to determine what size you'll need. Be sure to note whether you need the brace for your left or right knee. Take the circumference measurement 6 inches (15 centimeters) above mid patella.

• X-Small: 12 to 15 inches (30 to 38 centimeters)
• Small: 15 to 18 inches (38 to 46 centimeters)
• Medium: 18 to 21 inches (46 to 53 centimeters)
• Large: 21 to 24 inches (53 to 61 centimeters)
• X-Large: 24 to 27 inches (61 to 69 centimeters)
• XX-Large: 27 to 30 inches (69 to 79 centimeters)