Injury Care Techniques Lesson 3: Crutches

Lesson 3– Crutches Help a patient ambulate Used when unable to put weight on an injured or impaired leg, knee, ankle or foot. Proper fit and use are important Crutches Crutches are supports that help a patient ambulate, or walk. Patients use crutches when they are unable to put weight on an injured or impaired leg, knee, ankle or foot. With crutches, patients transfer some or all of their weight to the crutches. It is important that crutches fit the patient properly and are used correctly by the patient. All medical professionals need to know how to fit and use crutches properly so that they can teach their patients.

Lesson 3– Types of Crutches Axillary crutches Forearm crutches Platform crutches Types of Crutches Three types of crutches are axillary, forearm, and platform. All crutches require coordination. Axillary and forearm crutches require some upper body strength. Axillary crutches are placed under the axilla, or underarms, with the patient’s weight being applied to the hands. Likewise, with forearm crutches, a patient inserts arms through holders, grasps handles, and then supports weight on the hands. Platform crutches are designed for patients who cannot grasp handles or bear weight on their hands. The patient rests the forearm on a flat surface at the top of the crutch and then bears weight on the forearm.

Lesson 3– Adjusting Crutches Crutches must fit patients correctly. Adjusting crutches To avoid injury, it is important that crutches are adjusted properly for the patient’s height. With axillary crutches, the top of the crutch should reach two inches below the patient’s underarm. The handle should fall comfortably at the patient’s wrist. With forearm crutches, the handle should fall to just above the patient’s hand, when the arms are down and extended. With platform crutches, the top of the platform should reach the patient’s elbows.

Lesson 3– Crutch Gaits There are several types of crutch gaits. Four-point Three-point Two-point Swing-to Swing-through Crutch Gaits A gait is a method of walking. There are several gaits that can be used with crutches. The best gait for a patient is determined based on the injury. The four-point gait is used for patients who can bear weight on both legs. The three-point gait is used for patients who can bear weight on only one leg. The two-point gait is used for patients who can bear weight on both legs and have mastered the four-point gait. The swing-to gait is used for patients who can bear weight on one or both legs, has good shoulder and arm strength, and a good sense of balance and coordination. The swing-through gait is used for patients who can bear weight on one or both legs, has great shoulder and arm strength, and an excellent sense of balance and coordination.