The Perfect Fit

 

There are many reasons why fitting an assistive device to properly fit your clients body proportions is important. Some of these reasons include: preventing further injury, to ensure the device is used safety, and client comfort. Below are proper ways to fit a client for a cane, axillary crutches, Lofstrand crutches, platform walker, and a rolling walker.

 

Cane: To fit your client for a cane, first have them stand straight, looking forward with their arms relaxed. Measure and to make sure the handle is in line with their wrist crease, ulnar styloid, or the greater trochanter. If the cane needs adjustment, you can unlock the cane by pushing the button in and then you can adjust the base up or down. When it is at the correct height make sure the button clicks to lock the cane in place. The client’s elbow should be able to flex about 20-30 degrees when grabbing handles and shoulders relaxed.

 

Axillary Crutches: To fit axillary crutches, make sure the client is standing and looking straight with their arms relaxed.  Place the crutches underneath their armpits and make sure the arm pad is about 5 centimeters below the axilla floor or 4 finger widths under the armpit. With their hands resting by their side, make sure the handles are in line with the wrist crease, ulnar styloid, or greater trochanter. To adjust the handles just unscrew the bolt, take it out and adjust to a new level and tightly secure the bolt.

Lofstrand Crutches: In order to fit a client for Loftstrand crutches, have them stand forward looking straight and have their arms relaxed. Make sure the arm band is positioned two thirds of the way up the forearm while the crutches are upright and in line to the client’s lower extremities and the handle is comfortable. 

 

Platform Walker: To fit your client for a platform walker first have them stand straight looking forward with their arms flexed to 90 degrees. The platforms should be positioned so when the clients’ elbow is flexed to 90 degrees it will allow weight bearing in their forearm while standing tall and scapula can be relaxed. Be sure the proximal ulna is about 1-2 inches off platform surface to avoid compression of nerves. As for the handle, it should be angled medially to ensure client comfort while gripping and forearm is resting on the platform.

 

Rolling Walker: To fit your client for a rolling walker, first have them stand straight looking forward with their arms relaxed. Have the client relax their arms on their side and make sure the handgrips are in line with the wrist crease, ulnar styloid, or the greater trochanter. When client is holding onto walker their elbow should be flexed about 20-30 degrees with relaxed shoulders.