A joint orthosis including an upper member, a lower member operably connected to the upper member by one or more swivel axes at a joint mechanism, and a pad attached to the joint mechanism and positioned between the joint mechanism and the body part, wherein the joint mechanism includes a clip connection for securing the pad to the joint mechanism. The upper and lower members include a means for attaching the joint orthosis to a body part of a user, such as an extremity. The clip connection connects to a coupling element that is one or more of an adapter or pad bracket positioned between the joint mechanism and the pad. The pad, pad bracket and/or adapter are configured to cover over the joint mechanim and the pivot axis. The upper and lower members can include teeth that interlock with each other in order to form a synchronized pivot movement.