The use of a hands-free crutch in patients with musculoskeletal injuries: randomized control trial
International Journal of Rehabilitation Research: December 2007 – Volume 30 – Issue 4 – pp 357-359
Unilateral musculoskeletal below-knee injuries occur with great frequency. Patients who cannot bear weight on an injured limb usually mobilize themselves with standard crutches. When the patient also has an upper limb injury, however, mobilization might be impossible, and can result in a lengthy in-patient stay. A randomized control trial was conducted on 80 patients to share our experience with the innovative ‘hands-free crutch’, and to discuss the potential of this device for more frequent use in orthopaedic surgery. We present its value in facilitating early discharge in patients with both upper and lower limb injuries. We show the cost benefit of the decreased in-patient stay that the hands-free crutch provides.
British Orthopaedic Specialists Association
The Hands Free Crutch. Mobility and Functional Assessment.
Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery – British Volume, Vol 90-B, Issue SUPP_II, 228.
Copyright © 2008 by British Editorial Society of Bone and Joint Surgery
K Mannan; C Belcham; H Beaumont; J Ritchi; and D Singh
Purpose: Evaluation of a hands free crutch. This interesting device is intended for patients who have undergone foot and ankle surgery and should be non-weight bearing. It involves a knee tray attached to a vertical beam with a rubber foot. The crutch is strapped to the lower limb and weight is transferred though the proximal tibia.
Methods: Five Volunteers were assessed using the crutch, the K9 walker and 2 standard crutches in a simulated environment.
A comparison was made between this device and the K9 walker which has been shown to be a liberating walking aid indoors. Tasks from activities of daily living, productivity and transfers were included. Assessment was undertaken by the Occupational Therapy Team.
The hands free crutch was also compared with non weight bearing using two crutches to gauge performance outdoors. Assessment of ease of use and safety was undertaken by the Physiotherapy Team.
Results: Domestic chores including cleaning, cooking and shopping were possible using this device. Sitting activities were noted to be more difficult, because of the necessity to remove the crutch on each occasion.
Although speed was significantly greater (p<0.0001.) using two crutches, the hands free crutch permitted safe outdoor mobilisation on even or uneven ground, up and down slopes with a gradient of 1 in 10 and up and down stairs. Good single leg stance stability was predictive of ease of use and safety for the hands free crutch.
Discussion: The hands free crutch is suited to motivated and physically able patients. Other lower limb pathology contraindicates the use of this device, but in patients with upper limb pathology it would permit non-weight bearing mobilisation. Good balance is paramount and perhaps a falls risk assessment should be performed prior to use.
British Orthopaedic Specialists Association
Use of Hands Free Crutch in Polytrauma Patients: A Pilot Study
Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery – British Volume, Vol 90-B, Issue SUPP_II, 337.
Copyright © 2008 by British Editorial Society of Bone and Joint Surgery
R Rambani; and MS Shahid
Department of orthopaedics, Kings College Hospital, Department of Orthopaedics, Whipps cross University
Unilateral musculoskeletal below knee injuries occur with great frequency. Patients who cannot bear weight on an injured limb usually mobilise with standard crutches. However when the patient also has an upper limb injury, mobilisation may be impossible and can result in a lengthy in-patient stay. We present its value in facilitating early discharge in patients with both upper and lower limb injuries. We show the cost benefit of the saving in in-patient stay that the hands free crutch provides. We present our experience in which this innovative crutch was used and discuss the potential of this device to be used more often in orthopaedic surgery.
Correspondence should be addressed to Mr Bimal Singh, BOSA at the Royal College of Surgeons, 35–43 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London WC2A 3PE
