Crutches are medical devices designed to aid in ambulation, by transfer- ring body weight from the legs to the torso and arms. They are mainly used to assist individuals with lower extremity injuries and/or neurologi- cal impairment for example amputee. There are many different types of crutches depending on the area of need, including:
- Axillary (underarm) crutches. One part of an axillary crutch is placed against the ribcage under the armpits, while users hold onto the hand grip. These crutches are typically used by those with short-term injuries.
- Lofstrand (forearm) crutches. This type of crutch involves placing the arm into a metal or plastic cuff and holding a hand grip. Forearm crutches are more commonly used by people with long-term disabilities.
- Platform crutches. With platform crutches, the hand holds a grip while the forearm rests on a horizontal platform. Platform crutches are not com- monly used, except by people with a weak hand grip due to conditions such as arthritis or cerebral palsy.
