Crutches/Canes/Walkers

Question 1

Measuring the Length of Crutches

Answer 1

Important so prevent nerve damage
Length:
-vertically place tip on ground
-2-3 finger widths between the pad and the anterior axillary fold
-Tip is located to a point lateral and slightly front of foot (more than shoulder width apart /6 in)
RULE OUT answers that use FOOT or AXILLA as landmarks

Handgrip:
-elbow flexion of 30 degrees
-wrists level with handgrip

Question 2

Crutch Gaits

Answer 2

2 point (2 at a time)
3 point (3 at a time)
4 point (everything separate)
swing through (non weight bearing/amputee)

Question 3

2 point Gait

Answer 3

Crutch & opposite foot move together
mild bilateral weakness

Question 4

3 point gait

Answer 4

move 2 crutches & bad leg together (3 - 1)
bad leg off the ground (still may be able to bear weight)
Good leg on the ground

Question 5

4 point gait

Answer 5

Everything moves separate
Crutch - opposite foot - crutch - opposite foot
slow but stable

Question 6

Swing Through

Answer 6

Non-weight bearing/amputees
similar to 3 point
can move really fast

Question 7

When to use which gait
Even for Even & Odd for Odd

Answer 7

Even gaits when weakness is evenly distributed
-2 point for mild
-4 point for severe

Odd gaits when only one leg is affected
-3 point for one affected leg
-swing through for non weight bearing/amputee

Question 8

Stairs & Crutches

Answer 8

Up with the Good, down with the Bad
-crutches always move with the bad leg

Question 9

Canes

Answer 9

Use on the UNaffected (strong) side
Cane and affected leg go together
handgrip level with wrist