Assignment 2

Q1. Define the crutch.

A support typically fitting under the armpit for use by the disabled in walking

Q2. Describe the components of each crutch.

Axillary crutches is a misnomer because they should not be placed in the axilla at all. They should actually
be positioned about 5 cm below the axilla with elbow flexed 15 degree approxiamtely. The design 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
approximately 48 to 60 inches (12 to 153 cm)

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).

Gutter Crutches also called adjustable arthritic cruches or forearm support crutches. These are additional
type of crutches, which is composed of paddded forearm support made up of metal, an strap and
adjustable hand piece with rubber ferrule. These crutches are used for patients who are on partial weight
bearing like Rheumatoid disease.

Q3. Explain how it can be used in ambulation and up- and down-stairs.

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

2 point : this gait pattern is less stable as only two points are in contact with floor and good balance is
needed to walk with 2 points crutch gait.

3 point: this gait pattern is used when one side lower extremity (LE) is unable to bear weight (due to
fracture, amputattion, joint replacement etc). It invloves three points contact with floor (two crutch point
and one unaffected LE).

4 point: this gait pattern is used when there's lack of coordination, poor balance and muscle weakness in
both LE, as it provides slow and stable gait pattern with three points support.

Ascending stairs and steps

1. Take your weight through your walking aid and/or bannister. Keep your bad leg out behind you.
2. Hop onto the first step with your good (un-operated) leg. Take care not to put weight on your bad leg.
3. Bring your walking aid up onto the same step.
4. Repeat the procedure.
Descending stairs and steps

1. Place your walking aid down onto the first step, keeping your bad (operated) leg out in front of you;
2. Take your weight through the walking aid, and lower your good (un-operated) leg down onto the
same step.
2. Repeat the procedure.

1. Lusardi MM. Postoperative and preprosthetic care. In: Lusardi MM, Jorde M, Nielsen C, eds.
Orthotics and Prosthetics in Rehabilitation. 3rd ed. St Louis, MO: Elsevier Saunders; 2013:chap 20.
2. Meftah M, Ranawat AS, Ranawat AS, Caughran AT. Total hip replacement rehabilitation:
progression and restrictions. In: Giangarra CE, Manske RC, eds. Clinical Orthopaedic
Rehabilitation. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 66.
3. http://www.disabledgo.com/organisations/west-suffolk-nhs-foundation-trust/main