The Perfect Fit.

Assistive devices, put simply, are things that help people do things that they may not be able to do otherwise. Some of the commonly used assistive devices include a cane, axillary crutches, lofland crutches, a platform walker and a rolling walker. These devices can be instrumental in helping a client regain independance. Fitting your client’s assistive device appropriately is extremely important. If an assistive device is ill-fitting, it can negatively affect a client’s gait, cause instability, and even cause pain.

To properly fit a cane, the hand grip should be at the level of the greater trochanter, the ulnar styloid process, or the wrist crease. The elbow should be relaxed and flexed between 20-30 degrees. The shoulders should also be relaxed and not elevated. For crutches, the hand grip should be at the level of the greater trochanter, the elbows should be relaxed and flexed between 20-30 degrees, and the shoulders shoulb be relaxed and not eleveate. The axillary rest should be 5 centimeters below the axilla with the shoulders relaxed. For Lofstrand crutches, the arm band should be placed about 2/3 up the forearm.

In addition to crutches, it is important to properly fit walkers as well. When fitting a platform walker, the platform surface should be placed so that weightbearing is allowed through the forearm when the elbow is bent to 90 degrees. The client should be standing with the scapula relaxed. The proximal ulna should be placed 1-2 inches off the platform surface and the handle should be place towards the middle to allow for a comfortable grip. For a rolling walker, the height should be adjusted to that of the client and the hand grips should be inline with the greater trochanter or wrist crease when the hands are at the clients sides. The client’s elbows should be flexed between 20-30 degrees.

Regardless of the type assistive devices being used, to maximize the benefit of the device and minimize further damage or pain, it is of the utmost importance that they be properly fit for patient usage, comfort, and mobility.