Orthotic Joints & Uprights
Overview
Orthotic joints and uprights are the mechanical core of lower-limb orthoses. Kinetix Healthcare supplies a variety of locking and free-motion joints, adjustable uprights, and mounting hardware used in the fabrication of AFOs, KAFOs, and HKAFOs for both adult and pediatric patients.
All products are designed for durability, alignment adjustability, and ease of integration into custom-molded orthotic designs.
Drop Lock Knee Joints
Use: KAFOs for controlled stability during stance
Features:
- Manual lock with gravity-activated drop ring
- Unlocks for sitting or swing phase
- Compatible with standard uprights
Material: Stainless steel or aluminum
Lock Type: Single or double drop ring
Sample SKU: ST-JNT-DROPLOCK-STD-AL
Ring Lock Joints
Use: Basic locking or free-motion orthoses
Features:
- Simple circular lock pin
- Can be adjusted to allow partial range of motion
- Often used in bilateral KAFOs
Material: Stainless steel
Sample SKU: ST-JNT-RINGLOCK-STD-SS
Free-Motion Joints (Dial or Polycentric)
Use: Functional braces where knee motion is preserved
Features:
- Non-locking mechanical hinges
- Allows flexion/extension without instability
- Often used in post-operative bracing
Sample SKU: ST-JNT-FREEPOLY-AL-R
Adjustable Uprights (Pre-contoured)
Use: Upright bars used to connect joints in KAFOs or HKAFOs
Features:
- Lightweight aluminum or stainless steel
- Pre-drilled holes or custom-cut options
- May be contoured for medial or lateral use
Lengths: 300 mm, 400 mm, 500 mm
Sample SKU: ST-UPRGT-SS-400-PAIR
Offset Knee Joints
Use: For patients with hyperextension risk or complex gait patterns
Features:
- Posteriorly positioned axis for enhanced stability
- Often used in neuro-orthotic applications
Sample SKU: ST-JNT-OFFSET-KNEE-L
Pediatric Orthotic Joints & Uprights
Use: For children’s KAFOs or AFOs
Features:
- Scaled hinges and locking joints
- Reduced weight and shorter lengths
- Compatible with pediatric uprights (200–300 mm)
Materials: Lightweight stainless steel or alloy
Sample SKU: ST-PED-JNT-RINGLOCK-22MM
Fitting Considerations
- All joints include standard mounting hardware (rivet holes, bushings)
- Compatible with thermoplastics, metal uprights, or composite braces
- Choose appropriate lock type based on clinical indication and user mobility level
Safety & Compliance
- Cyclical load tested to clinical brace standards
- Corrosion-resistant metals
- Pediatric units include rounded edges and safety stops
- CE-compliant designs available upon request