An orthotic brace and brace hinge are disclosed where the brace hinge comprises a first hinge element operably connected to a second hinge element, at least one hinge element having a magnetic field whereby the magnetic field provides a magnetic force urging one hinge elements in a pre-determined direction. Embodiments of the present invention generally utilize magnetic forces to stabilize, influence and/or maintain adjacent joint portions in pre-determined desired relationships and for constraining motion and/or rotation of the joint portions. Through the use of the repelling and attracting forces of magnets, mechanical forces in the brace and brace hinge can be replaced or supplemented to reduce the force put on joint bones, to influence the bones so that the joint is biased into certain positions or to apply different forces through different points of joint flexion. Embodiments of braces with magnetic fields on other brace elements are also disclosed.
