CRUTCHES: FITTING AND TEACHING CRUTCH WALKING

Course overview

Crutches are assistive devices used during ambulation and are indicated for patients who must restrict weight bearing on one or both lower extremities. Fitting a patient for crutches and teaching crutch walking involves assessing patient readiness to be fit for and learn how to walk using crutches, and teaching the patient how to use crutches appropriately. This continuing education module is designed to give the reader/learner an increased understanding of how to fit a patient for crutches and how to teach the patient appropriate crutch use, with an emphasis on patient safety. Readers may explore any or all of the topics. One contact hour of continuing education credit is available for those who successfully complete the post-test and evaluation form.