The invention relates to a method for controlling an orthopedic joint of a lower extremity in at least one degree of freedom by means of an adjustable actuator for adjusting an orthopedic apparatus to walking situations that differ from walking on a plane. Said orthopedic apparatus comprises top connecting means to a limb and an orthopedic element that is hingedly arranged distal to the connecting means. The method encompasses the following steps: —several parameters of the orthopedic apparatus are sensed by means of sensors； —the sensed parameters are compared with criteria that have been established based on several parameters and/or parameter curves and are stored in a computer unit； —a criterion is selected that is suitable on the basis of the determined parameters and/or parameter curves； and —resistances to movements, extents of movements, driving forces, and/or the progresses thereof are adjusted in accordance with the selected criterion in order to control special functions that differ from walking on a plane.
