need help locking knees

If you cannot lock your knees on your own enough to support your weight, then it is probably too early. You will need the full braces to do any walking on your own. But once these nerves regenerate, you will know. You will feel the strength in your knees yourself. But until then, it is better to walk with full leg braces than not walking at all, as being upright is much better for the body.