Crutches, Canes and Walkers

Question 1

How do you measure crutches?

Answer 1

Length of crutch measure = 2-3 finger widths below the anterior axel fold to a point lateral to slightly in front of the foot.

Wrong answer includes anything that landmarks the foot or measures to the axilla is the wrong answer for how long the crutches should be.

Note: Teaching pt. to reduce risk of skin breakdown and mobility.

Question 2

How do you know if the hand grips are properly placed on the crutches?

Answer 2

If the angle of the elbow flexion is 30 degrees.

Question 3

List and describe the 4 crutch gates.

Answer 3

A) 2 pt gate- move one crutch, then the opposite foot together, followed by the other crutch and the opposite foot together

B) 3 pt gate- moving 2 crutches and the bad foot together.

C) 4 pt gate-move everything separatly, move crutch, opposite foot, followed by other foot. Its very stable

D) Swing thru- when you cant bear weight, plant both crutches and swing thru. Good for amputation.

Question 4

In what situations do we use these 4 crutch gates?

Remember to Ask: How many legs are affected?

Answer 4

Use the even # gates ( 2 and 4) when the weakness is evenly distributed. Therefore, use an even # gate when you have an even number of legs messed up.

• use 2pt for mild bilateral weakness
• use 4pt for severe bilateral weakness
• use odd # gate when leg is odd #3

         "Even for Even and "Odd for Odd"
  
                    " Even for Even"  if its TWO legs affected then pick either -2pt (mild bilateral ) or  4pt (severe bilateral)
  
                       "Odd for Odd"
      if its ONE leg affected then pick odd #3

For amputation or non weight bearing pick SWING THRU.

Question 5

How many legs do we assume are affected with a systemic disease?

Answer 5

2 legs are affected.

Question 6

What is the correct way to go up and down stairs with crutches?

Answer 6

” up with the good, down with the bad”

Crutches ALWAYS move with the bad leg!

Question 7

What is the best side to hold a cane?

Answer 7

Strong side

Question 8

What is the correct way to use a walker?

Answer 8

pick it up, set it down, walk to them.

Question 9

Where should belongings be tied on a walker?

Answer 9

Tie the sides or the walker NOT to the front.

No wheels or tennis balls