Hello
If I was to be permanently on crutches I would have them custom made with
all that whistles and adaptable for all environmental differences specific
for her needs
Cheers,
Anna.
Anna Lee
Principal,
Work Ready Industrial Athlete Centre
Write to me at: [log in to unmask]
Visit me at: www.workready.com.au
Snail mail:
Suite 3, 82 Enmore Road,
Newtown NSW 2042
Australia
Phone: (612) 95197436
Fax: (612) 95197439
Mob: 0412 33 43 98
----- Original Message -----
From: "Linda McLaren" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Tuesday, 7 August 2001 7:18
Subject: long term crutch use
Physio List,
Would appreciate your comments on this client. Long term crutch user x 4
years secondary to necrotizing fascitis and subsequent high transfemoral
amputation. Crutch technique is excellent. Using Guardian forearm
crutches, wide ergonomic hand piece, and Tornado shock absorbing crutch
tips.
Problem is an inherent tendancy to develop fatty deposits (lipomas) where
the cuff of the crutch makes contact with her forearm. Once these lipomas
develop they do not resolve - and they are painful to further compression or
pressure. The cuff surface is bare metal and the area of greatest pressure
is on the medial aspect of her forearm. Axilla or axial crutches are not an
option.
My experiments with a soft interface material were positive for comfort and
a greater distribution of the pressure however, they snugged up the cuff
dimension so ultimately if we choose this option the cuff of her crutch
would have to be expanded. Demo'd sheepskin, foam covered with leather, and
pieces of Alpha liner gel covered with fabric (which is used as an interface
residual limb interface liner for amputee's).
Will demo her on Kowsky crutches next week, which are more lightweight and
slightly more unstable (her first impression). Does anyone have experience
with Fetterman crutches? Padded cuffs?
Thank you,
Linda McLaren
Physiotherapist, Amputee Team
GF Strong Rehab Centre
4255 Laurel St.
Vancouver, B.C. V5Z 2G9
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