Crutches

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Introduction

Crutches are a type of walking aid that serve to increase the size of an individual's base of support. They transfer weight from the legs to the upper body and are often used by people who cannot use their legs to support their weight (from short-term injuries to lifelong disabilities).

Crutch Type

There are three types of crutches: axilla crutches, elbow crutches and gutter crutches.

• Axilla or underarm crutches: They should be positioned with 2 fingers of distance between the axilla and the axilla pad with the elbow flexed between 20-30 degrees. The design includes an axilla bar, a handpiece and double uprights joined distally by a single leg. They are adjustable in height; both the overall height and handgrip height can be adjusted (adjustable approximately 48 to 60 inches / 12 to 153 cm).
• Forearm crutches: (or lofstrand, elbow or Canadian crutches). Their design includes a single upright, a forearm cuff and a handgrip. The height of forearm crutches is indicated from handgrip to the floor (adjustable from 29 to 35 inches / 74 to 89 cm).
• Gutter Crutches: (or adjustable arthritic crutches, forearm support crutches) An additional type of crutch, which is composed of a padded forearm support, made up of metal, a strap and adjustable handpiece with a rubber ferrule. These crutches are used for patients who are partial weight bearing, and are particularly useful for clients with rheumatoid conditions.

 

Measurement

It is essential that crutches are measured and adjusted to suit every patient they are given to. While the incidence of adverse events related to crutch use is low, series medical complications can occur. Adjusting the device to fit the user may reduce adverse events.

Walking Pattern

There are several different walking patterns an individual using crutches may adopt, including:

• Two-point crutch gait: Please note the difference between two-point gait and two-point crutch gait. In two-point crutch gait, the crutches and the non-weight bearing / affected limb (due to fracture, amputation, joint replacement etc) make up one point and the uninvolved leg makes up the other point. The crutches and affected limb are advanced as one unit, and the uninvolved weight-bearing limb is brought forward to the crutches as the second unit. This gait pattern is less stable as only two points are in contact with floor. Thus, good balance is needed to achieve two-point crutch gait.

• Two-point gait: the right foot and left crutch are advanced simultaneously, followed by the left foot and right crutch. There are two points in contact with the floor at any one time!
• Three-point: this gait pattern is used when one of the lower extremities (LE) is unable to fully bear weight (due to fracture, amputation, joint replacement etc). There are three points of contact with the floor. The crutches serve as one point, the involved leg as the second point, and the uninvolved leg as the third point. Both crutches move forward, the affected limb then steps up to the crutches. This is followed by the weight-bearing limb which steps through, beyond the crutches. There are always three points of contact with the floor at any given time.
• Four-point: this gait pattern is used when there is a lack of coordination, poor balance and muscle weakness in both LE. This is because it provides a slow and stable gait pattern with four points of support. Point one is the crutch on the involved side, point two is the uninvolved leg, point three is the involved leg, and point four is the crutch on the uninvolved side. The crutches and limbs are advanced separately, with three of the four points on the ground and bearing weight at any given time.
  
• Step-to: the fractured/injured limb is advanced, and then the intact limb is brought to the same position. When weight-bearing status is restricted to partial, toe-touch, or as tolerated, crutches or a walker are necessary. They help the patient step to the fractured/injured limb by pushing down with the upper extremities, thus transferring weight from the fractured/injured limb to the assistive device.
• Step-through: Firstly, the fractured/injured leg goes forward. Then, the intact leg is advanced past the injured leg. With restricted weight-bearing, crutches are used instead of the injured limb; the patient steps past the crutches with the weight-bearing lower extremity. Thus, the gait assumes a two-point or three-point pattern.

Indications

Crutches may be indicated if a patient:

• Has lost the use of a limb (it is either injured or amputated).
• Is having problems with balance and impaired strength.

See also

• Canes
• Walkers