Crutches, Canes, and Walkers

Question 1

how do you measure the length of crutches

Answer 1

• 2-3 finger widths below the anterior axillary fold, to a point lateral to & slightly above the foot

(the answer will not mention any landmarks of the foot )

Question 2

when a handgrip on a crutch is placed properly, the angle of elbow flexion should be…

Answer 2

30*

Question 3

what are the 4 types of crutch gait

Answer 3

• 2 point
• 3 point
• 4 point
• swing thru

Question 4

describe how the 2-point gait works

Answer 4

• move crutch & opposite foot together, followed by the other crutch & foot

Question 5

describe how the 3-point gait works

Answer 5

• 2 crutches and bad leg together , then remaining leg

Question 6

describe how the 4-point gait works

Answer 6

• everything separately
• one crutch, then opposite foot, then other crutch, then remaining foot

Question 7

describe how the swing through crutch gait works

Answer 7

• plant crutches, then swing through
• bad foot doesn’t touch the ground

Question 8

what is the principle for how to know which crutch gait to use

Answer 8

“even for even, odd for odd”

(use even gait when the weakness is evenly distributed (bilat weakness), odd gait when 1 leg is weak)

Question 9

in what situation is a 2-point gait used

Answer 9

• bilat and mild weakness

Question 10

in what situation is a 3-point gait used

Answer 10

• 1 leg is weak

Question 11

in what situation is a4-point gait used

Answer 11

• bilat and severe weakness

Question 12

in what situation is a swing thru crutch gait used

Answer 12

• NWB
• amputation

Question 13

how is a cane properly held

Answer 13

• hold cane on strong side

Question 14

how is a cane properly used

Answer 14

ex. weak right leg = hold on with left arm, advance cane at same time as bad leg

Question 15

how is a walker properly used

Answer 15

• pick it up, set down, then walk to it

Question 16

how should belongings on a walker be tied?

Answer 16

• only to the side (NOT to the front)