Crutches: Difference between revisions

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'''Original Editor '''- The [[Open Physio]] project. '''Top Contributors''' - {{Special:Contributors/{{FULLPAGENAME}}}} &nbsp;  
'''Original Editor '''- The [[Open Physio]] project. '''Top Contributors''' - {{Special:Contributors/{{FULLPAGENAME}}}} &nbsp;  
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== Introduction  ==
== Introduction  ==


'''Crutches''' are a type of [[Walking_Aids]] that serve to increase the size of an individuals [[Base of support]].  
'''Crutches''' are a type of [[Walking Aids]] that serve to increase the size of an individuals [[Base of support]].  


== Types of crutches  ==
== Types of crutches  ==
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There are 2 main types of crutches; ''axillary crutches'' and ''elbow crutches''.  
There are 2 main types of crutches; ''axillary crutches'' and ''elbow crutches''.  


'''Axillary crutches''' is a misnomer because they should not be placed in the axilla at all. They should actually be positioned against the latissimus dorsi, about 5cm below the axilla. Axillary crutches have been removed from use in some developed countries because of the high number of patients who sustain nerve damage as a result of incorrect positioning of the crutch.  
'''Axillary crutches''' is a misnomer because they should not be placed in the axilla at all. They should actually be positioned about 5cm below the axilla. Thier deisgn includes an axillary bar, a handpiece and double uprights joined distally by a single leg. They are basically adjustable in height. Both the overall height and handgrip height can be adjusted. Axillary crutches are adjustable aprroximately 48 to 60 inches(122 to 153 cm).<ref>O'Sullivan SB, Schmitz TJ, Fulk G. Physical rehabilitation. FA Davis; 2013 Jul 23.</ref>


'''Elbow crutches''' are the more commonly seen aluminium crutches with the guards that sit just below, surprisingly, the elbow joint.  
'''Forearm crutches''' also known as lofstrand or elbow or canadian crutches. Thier design includes a single upright, a forearm cuff and a hand grip. The height of the forearm crutches are indicated from handgrip to the floor (adjustable from 29 to 35 inches or 74 to 89 cm).  


== Measurement  ==
== Measurement  ==


It is essential that crutches are measured and adjusted to suit every patient they are given to. The following is the correct way to measure the height of crutches:
It is essential that crutches are measured and adjusted to suit every patient they are given to. There are various methods to measure both the canes.
 
#Ensure your patient is standing as upright as possible.
#The patients arms should be hanging comfortably at their sides.
#Place the crutch parallel to the arm.
#Adjust the height of the grip so that it is level with the styloid process of the ulna (about 2cm above the wrist joint).


== Walking pattern  ==
== Walking pattern  ==


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| {{#ev:youtube|JGyVUVCTKYs|250}} <ref>Anamaria Siriani de Oliveira. Ambulation Patterns with Assistive Aids. Available from: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JGyVUVCTKYs [last accessed 22/03/13]</ref>
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Revision as of 01:55, 5 March 2016

Original Editor - The Open Physio project. Top Contributors - Samrah khan, Kim Jackson, Ahmed Essam, Jess Bell, Rachael Lowe, Admin, Larisa Hoffman, Ammar Suhail, WikiSysop, Redisha Jakibanjar, Lucinda hampton, Tolulope Adeniji, Robin Tacchetti, Jorge Rodríguez Palomino, Laura Ritchie, Naomi O'Reilly, Karen Wilson and Claire Knott  

Introduction[edit | edit source]

Crutches are a type of Walking Aids that serve to increase the size of an individuals Base of support.

Types of crutches[edit | edit source]

There are 2 main types of crutches; axillary crutches and elbow crutches.

Axillary crutches is a misnomer because they should not be placed in the axilla at all. They should actually be positioned about 5cm below the axilla. Thier deisgn includes an axillary bar, a handpiece and double uprights joined distally by a single leg. They are basically adjustable in height. Both the overall height and handgrip height can be adjusted. Axillary crutches are adjustable aprroximately 48 to 60 inches(122 to 153 cm).[1]

Forearm crutches also known as lofstrand or elbow or canadian crutches. Thier design includes a single upright, a forearm cuff and a hand grip. The height of the forearm crutches are indicated from handgrip to the floor (adjustable from 29 to 35 inches or 74 to 89 cm).

Measurement[edit | edit source]

It is essential that crutches are measured and adjusted to suit every patient they are given to. There are various methods to measure both the canes.

Walking pattern[edit | edit source]


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

  • 2 point
  • 3 point
  • 4 point

Indications[edit | edit source]

The use of 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.

See also[edit | edit source]

Recent Related Research (from Pubmed)[edit | edit source]

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References[edit | edit source]

References will automatically be added here, see adding references tutorial.

  1. ↑ O'Sullivan SB, Schmitz TJ, Fulk G. Physical rehabilitation. FA Davis; 2013 Jul 23.
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