Forearm/Lofstrand Crutches

Background

A forearm crutch, is also known as a Lofstrand crutch and may sometimes even be referred to as a Canadian crutch.  It differs from the axillary crutch because it has a cuff that goes around the forearm.  A forearm crutch is used by inserting the forearm into the cuff and holding the grip.  Typically forearm crutch are used for long term injuries, axillary crutches are typically used for short term injuries. 

Fitting

Forearm Crutch Height:  Adjust the forearm crutch height by pressing both buttons  and rotating the bottom piece.  Ideally, the cuff of the forearm crutch should be three fingers width from the elbow.  Once measured, rotate the bottom piece to lock the buttons in place.

HandGrip:  The forearm crutch handgrip should be adjusted to the height of the wrist and show a slight bend in the patient's arm.  Once it is set, tighten the adjusting bolts.

Sizing and Safe Forearm Crutch Use

Safety

Before using the forearm crutches it is important to make sure:

Stairs

When performing stairs, the forearm crutches should always stay with and move with the injured lower extremity.

Ascending:  When ascending the stairs the patient should always start by placing the non-injured lower extremity on the stair.  The patient will then press through the non-injured lower extremity and move the injured lower extremity simultaneously with the forearm crutches to the same stair.  (Think "Good Goes Up First")  This pattern is repeated until the stairs are completed.

Descending:  When descending the stairs the patient should always start by moving the forearm crutches to the lower stair.  This makes the non-injured lower extremity do all the work and control the patient's weight.  Once the forearm crutches are on the stair, it is safe to move the non-injured lower extremity down to the same stair. (Think "Bad Goes Down First") This pattern is repeated until the stairs are completed.

It is important to remember not to allow the bottom of the forearm crutch to be near the edge of the stair when ascending and descending for safety concerns.