THE MUST KNOW FACTS ABOUT:

ASSISTIVE
DEVICES ON THE
NPTE
C H E A T S H E E T
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STANDARD STRAIGHT CANE

Canes are used to compensate for impaired balance
and to improve stability. Although the cane assists
with balance, compared to other devices, the cane
provides very limited support.

NPTE NOTES:

When selecting the appropriate cane height, the cane

handle should be placed at the level of the patient's
greater trochanter, ulnar styloid or wrist crease.

Canes should be avoided when the patient has lower

extremity weight bearing precautions.

LOFTSTRAND (CANADIAN)
CRUTCHES
Loftstrand crutches are used when the support and
stability of axillary crutches are not needed but
when the patient requires more support than a cane.

NPTE NOTES:

The loftstrand crutches are often selected over axillary crutches when the patient
currently has or is likely to have an injury to the axillary nerves and blood vessels.

Loftstrand crutches are less stable than axillary crutches and require functional
standing balance and functional upper extremity strength.

Loftstrand crutches are infrequently used with elderly patients because these
patients feel insecure using them.

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AXILLARY CRUTCHES
Axillary crutches are provided when the patient needs
less stability or support than is provided by a walker or
parallel bars. These crutches allow for greater speeds,
various gait patterns, and better maneuverability.

NPTE NOTES:

Axillary crutches are typically used with a younger patient who has functional
strength in the upper extremities and trunk.

A patient will require good standing balance when using this device.

These crutches can cause injury to the axillary region including the nerves and blood
vessels.

STANDARD WALKER
Walkers are used when maximal patient stability and
support are required. These assistive devices are considered
the most restrictive and are most often used with elderly
patients or young children with neurological pathologies.

NPTE NOTES:

Walkers should be given to patients who are a significant fall risk, lack coordination,
and/or have impaired stability.

Walkers are considered to be the most restrictive device. Therefore, other less
restrictive options that still provide patient safety should be exhausted first. 

Walkers can be difficult to manage on stairs or in tight confined spaces.

Fairchild, S. L., In O'Shea, R. K., & In Washington, R. D. (2018). Pierson and Fairchild's principles & techniques of patient care.

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"TODAY'S PERFORMANCE DOESN'T

DETERMINE WHAT YOU'RE CAPABLE OF

ACHIEVING."

COACH K.
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