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CrutchesAka: Axillary Crutches, Forearm Crutches, Canadian Crutches, Lofstrand Crutches

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  1. See Also
    1. Mobility Device
    2. Assistive Technology
    3. Canes
    4. Walkers
  2. Indication
    1. Gait disturbance (full weight bearing)
  3. Types
    1. Axillary Crutches
      1. For temporary use (acute injuries)
      2. Adjustable aluminum or wooden crutches
      3. Requires significant upper body strength
    2. Forearm Crutches (Canadian crutch, Lofstrand crutch)
      1. For active patients with severe leg weakness
      2. Offers easier mobility than with axillary crutches
      3. Brace fixes crutch to forearm and hands grasp handles
        1. Allows use of hands without dropping crutches
  4. Technique
    1. Two point
      1. Advance left crutch and right leg together, then
      2. Advance right crutch and left leg together
    2. Four point (most stable)
      1. Crutches and legs move independently
      2. Advance left crutch
      3. Advance right leg
      4. Advance right crutch
      5. Advance left leg
  5. Fitting
    1. Axillary Crutches
      1. Elbows slightly bent while holding crutch handles
      2. Allow adequate space between top of crutch and xxilla
        1. Axilla should not rest on top of crutch
    2. Forearm Crutches (Canadian crutch, Lofstrand crutch)
      1. Plant crutch end in front of foot by 6 inches
      2. Keep elbow slightly flexed to 15 to 30 degrees
      3. Place cuff at proximal forearm just distal to elbow
  6. References
    1. Van Hook (2003) Am Fam Physician 67(8):1717

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