Crutch Walking and Weight Bearing

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering the indications, gait patterns, and instructions for Non-Weight Bearing and Partial Weight Bearing crutch walking.

Indications for Non-Weight Bearing Lower Extremity Crutch Walking

Used for an amputated, disabled, or injured leg.

Indications for Partial Weight Bearing Lower Extremity Crutch Walking

Used for an amputee with a new prosthesis, minor injury to one leg, healing injury, or partial weight bearing status.

Non-Weight Bearing (NWB) Gait

Both crutches move forward followed by the weight bearing (unaffected) leg.

Partial Weight Bearing (PWB) Gait

Both crutches move forward with the weaker (affected) leg, then the strong leg is moved parallel to the weaker leg.

Tripod position

The starting position for Non-Weight Bearing crutch walking where the patient stands with the affected leg off the floor.

Non-Weight Bearing (NWB) Instructions

1. Stand in tripod position with affected leg off floor; 2. Move both crutches forward then bring unaffected leg up to crutches; 3. No weight on affected leg.

Partial Weight Bearing (PWB) Instructions

1. Stand with feet even; 2. Advance both crutches and affected leg at same time; 3. Advance unaffected leg.