6.9 Measurement for elbow crutches

The best position to estimate elbow crutches length is standing position. The measurement is from the tip of the elbow crutch at 4–6 inches (10.2–15.2 cm) anterior and lateral to fifth toe of the ipsilateral limb to the greater trochanter. The elbow crutches hand grip can be adjusted to allow elbow flexion of 20–30°. The forearm cuff is adjusted and positioned close to the elbow joint distally (proximal one third of the forearm).

## 6.10 Ambulation with crutches

The walking style a user of crutch will adopt is dependent on the medical condition, trunk control, balance, coordination, muscle strength, endurance, weight

The measurement of ideal axillary crutch length is measured in standing position. Potential user assumes a relax position (posture), measurement of a distance of 1.5–2 inches (3.8–5.1 cm) is made below the anterior axillary fold of the shoulder to a point 4–6 inches (10.2–15.2 cm) anterior and lateral to fifth toe of the ipsilateral limb. Elbow crutch: this is also known as Lofstrand and Canadian crutch. It has the following components a single fore arm cuff (vinyl-coated, leather, plastic or rubber), a hand grip, and a single uprights vertical post (allow height adjustment) covered with a ferrule distally. The adjustment of the handgrip and upright bar are by using push button mechanism. The vertical bar is made of different materials

Elbow crutch Height range

<sup>5</sup>″–5<sup>0</sup> 5″

<sup>3</sup>″–6<sup>0</sup> 2″

Youth 4<sup>0</sup>

Adult 5<sup>0</sup>

Adjustment of height of the elbow crutch and the handgrip is standardized in an inch distance (2.54 cm). Adult elbow crutch range from 29 to 35 inches (74–89 cm).

The best position to estimate elbow crutches length is standing position. The measurement is from the tip of the elbow crutch at 4–6 inches (10.2–15.2 cm) anterior and lateral to fifth toe of the ipsilateral limb to the greater trochanter. The elbow crutches hand grip can be adjusted to allow elbow flexion of 20–30°. The forearm cuff is adjusted and positioned close to the elbow joint distally (proximal

The walking style a user of crutch will adopt is dependent on the medical condition, trunk control, balance, coordination, muscle strength, endurance, weight

such as wood, hard plastic, stainless steel, aluminum steel and iron.

1. It is used to reduce weight bearing on one lower limb.

Only available in youth and adult range (Table 3).

2. It is used to improve balance.

3. It is used to improve lateral stability.

1. It need upper limb strength and coordination.

4. It can be used for stair climbing.

2. It need some trunk support.

3. It need good trunk stability.

one third of the forearm).

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6.10 Ambulation with crutches

6.9 Measurement for elbow crutches

6.7 Advantages

Table 3.

Prosthesis

Available elbow crutch length.

6.8 Disadvantages

bearing status, functional capacity and learning ability. Prior to ambulation using crutches, the following safety and precautions should be checked:


The following instructions should be given to the users before usage:


The following weight bearing status can be used with walkers: non-weight bearing (NWB), touch down weight bearing (TDWB), partial weight bearing (PWB), weight bearing as tolerated (WBT), full weight bearing (FWB) (Table 4).

Progression of axillary crutch walking is from non-weight bearing to partial weight bearing. Three-point gait first followed by four-point gait then two-point gait (Figure 11).
