OT430: blog 7

     It is important to make sure a client's assistive devices are fitting correctly. A practitioner should always make sure the assistive device is correctly fitted to ensure the safety and stability of the client. If the devices is not properly fitted to the client this could lead to further injury.
     In order to fit a client for a cane a client needs to look at a few things. The hand grip should be at the level of the ulnar styloid wrist crease, or greater trochanter of the femur. The elbow should have around 20°- 30° of flexion. The client should not have any shoulder elevation. A practitioner should assess and make sure the client has good stability since a cane is the least stable device that can be used.
     When fitting for axillary crutches the location of the hand grip should be the same as the cane. This would be at the level of the ulnar styloid wrist crease, or greater trochanter of the femur. The elbow should have close to the same amount of flexion around 20°- 30°.  The axillary rest should be 5 cm below the floor of the axilla and there should be no shoulder elevation in the client.
     Fitting for a Lofstrand crutch is very similar. The hand grip should be the same as the cane and axillary crutches. This would be at the level of the ulnar styloid wrist crease, or greater trochanter of the femur. The elbow should have close to the same amount of flexion around 20°- 30°.  The arm cuff should wrap around the proximal forearm.
     Platform walkers are much of the same. The same measurements as the other assistive devices should be used.
     A rolling walker should be measured to ensure proper weight distribution for the client. The same measurements for the crutches and cane should be taken. A rolling walker should be used for clients who struggle to pick up a standard walker.