Assistive Devices

“Fitting” your patient for an assistive device is very important to ensure proper use of the device. Fitting each patient for an assistive device ensures comfort and also helps with confidence. If an assistive device is too high or low for an individual they would have troubles with ambulating. It is important to take in consideration each individual’s comprehension of how to work each device and also teaching them how to use it. If a patient is weak in their wrist or has fractured/broken a bone, then you will need to put this into consideration. In summary, the needs of the patient are the top priority. Enhancing the comfort of the assistive device and taking into the needs of the patient will allow them to ambulating safely and confidently. 

Cane- First, you will have the patient stand up straight and looking forward with their hands relaxed at their side. You will then line up the handle of the cane with one of the following: wrist crease, ulnar styloid, or greater trochanter. Make sure that when they are holding the cane that their elbows are slightly flexed 20-30 degrees. 

Axillary Crutches- First, you will have the patient stand up straight and looking forward with their hands relaxed at their side. The arm pad will need to be 1 to 1.5 inches under the armpit (axilla) or 2/3 finger widths. The handgrips will need to be in line with the wrist crease, ulnar styloid, or greater trochanter. 

Loftstrand Crutches- First, you will have the patient stand up straight and looking forward with their hands relaxed at their side. The handgrips will need to be in line with the wrist crease, ulnar styloid, or greater trochanter. Additionally, you will need the arm band to be positioned about 2/3 of way up the forearm.

Platform Walker- First, you will have the patient stand up straight and looking forward with their hands relaxed at their side. The platform surface should provide support when the elbow is bent 90 degrees (patient standing tall and scapula is relaxed). Make sure that the proximal portion of the ulna is about 1 or 2 inches off the platform surface. For the opposite hand, you will need to line the handgrip with the wrist crease, ulnar styloid, or greater trochanter. In the affected hand, position the platform handle slightly medially. 

Rolling Walker- First, you will have the patient stand up straight and looking forward with their hands relaxed at their side. The handgrips should be in line with the wrist crease, ulnar styloid, or greater trochanter. Elbows should be flexed about 20-30 degrees when holding the walker.