Ambulation Assistance

gives weight bearing status with regards to healing and injury

Ortho referral does what for weight bearing?

recommends device with patient’s needs and weight bearing status in mind, helps with:

• rising from a chair

• walking with appropriate weight

• sitting

• stair climbing

• other special requirements

PT referral does what for weight bearing?

modifying home

remove throw rugs and tripping hazards

arrange furniture for clear paths

keep clutter off stairs

always turn on lights at night

keep hands free

bathroom modifications

Fall protections?

walker

this is most supportive/stable, good for older individuals

walkers should come to crease in wrist

elbows should be slightly bend when holding the walker

How should a walker be sized?

crutches

these require balance and moderate strength

non-weight bearing, toe-touch, transition from partial to FWB

Indications for crutches?

increased mobility at home compared to other devices

Benefits of crutches?

should be 2-3 finger breadths below axilla

elbows should be slightly bend

patient puts pressure on hands, not axillae

Sizing for crutches?

good foot

when walking up stairs with crutches lead with….

injured leg

when waling down stairs with crutches lead with…

cane

this is the least supportive, off-loading painful joint, provide balance and good for partial weight bearing

height should be standing upright with elbow slightly bent

handgrip at wrist crease

Cane sizing?

opposite

For a can you should grasp it in the hand ______ to the problem

goot food

when walking up the stairs with a cane lead with….

injuired leg

When walking downstairs with a cane laed with….

wheelchair

requires minimal balance, strength or coordination

non-weight bearing

indication for wheelchair?

increased mobility at home compared to other deices

wheelchair benefits?

knee walkers

require moderate strength and balance, provides support to keep weight off foot