Assistive Devices
Just like a pair of shoes or clothing, people who need assistive equipment should have the appropriate size and fit for their device. Having crutches, a cane, or walker that is too tall for a client would just be uncomfortable for them. If the height is not right, posture, balance, and stability could all be affected in a negative manner. However, if the fit is just right, it can help people perform tasks that they could not before and be a very helpful tool. The adjustment of all the following devices are very simple.
In order to correctly adjust the height of the cane, you must find the greater trochanter and make sure that the patient is holding the cane on the opposite of the affected lower extremity. Another landmark to look for is the wrist crease or the ulnar styloid with the arms down by the side. When fitting a client for axillary crutches, the crutch length should approximately be as long as the patient's forearm to the tips of the fingers on the opposite side. When standing the arm pad should be located two to three fingers away from the point of contact under the arm. The handgrips should be located near the greater trochanter and wrist crease or ulnar styloid while arms are at rest. The fitting for lofstrand crutches is similar, however, the arm cuff should be 2/3 of the way up the forearm and the handles face forward. The lofstrand crutches require more balance and practice form the client.
Another type of assistive equipment is a walker. For a platform walker, the ulna should be positioned one to two inches off the platform surface in order to reduce nerve compression. The handle should be slightly turned in for comfort. The platform should be placed to allow weight-bearing through the forearm when the elbow is flexed. The normal handles on the walker should be located, again, at the greater trochanter. In a wheeled walker, the therapist must heighten the hand grips to meet the greater trochanter and the wrist crease or ulnar styloid in upper extremity. Making sure that the handles are correctly positioned is key while sizing and fitting for assistive equipment. This is an imperative step in ensuring positive progression with a client's therapy.
In order to correctly adjust the height of the cane, you must find the greater trochanter and make sure that the patient is holding the cane on the opposite of the affected lower extremity. Another landmark to look for is the wrist crease or the ulnar styloid with the arms down by the side. When fitting a client for axillary crutches, the crutch length should approximately be as long as the patient's forearm to the tips of the fingers on the opposite side. When standing the arm pad should be located two to three fingers away from the point of contact under the arm. The handgrips should be located near the greater trochanter and wrist crease or ulnar styloid while arms are at rest. The fitting for lofstrand crutches is similar, however, the arm cuff should be 2/3 of the way up the forearm and the handles face forward. The lofstrand crutches require more balance and practice form the client.
Another type of assistive equipment is a walker. For a platform walker, the ulna should be positioned one to two inches off the platform surface in order to reduce nerve compression. The handle should be slightly turned in for comfort. The platform should be placed to allow weight-bearing through the forearm when the elbow is flexed. The normal handles on the walker should be located, again, at the greater trochanter. In a wheeled walker, the therapist must heighten the hand grips to meet the greater trochanter and the wrist crease or ulnar styloid in upper extremity. Making sure that the handles are correctly positioned is key while sizing and fitting for assistive equipment. This is an imperative step in ensuring positive progression with a client's therapy.
Nice job. I love your opening sentence! :-)
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