Knee Walker

Background

A knee walker or also known as a knee scooter, is a medical assistive device consisting of a metal frame and a pad to rest a person's knee.  The user of the knee walker will hold onto the handle bars and rest the injured leg on the rest pad.  Then, they will use their non-injured leg to move forward just like using a scooter.  Knee walkers have several points of contact which consist of wheels.  Common uses for knee walkers are people with recovering from surgery and/or people who have non-weight bearing status for a lower extremity due to an accident.  Also, a knee walker may be suggested if the person is not comfortable using crutches.
 

Fitting

Knee Walker Height:  Adjust the knee walker height by twisting the knob below the handles.  Ideally the handles should come up to a patient's wrist when standing erect.  When using the knee walker, the patient should display a slight bend in the arms.

Knee Rest Pad Height:  The knee rest pad height should come to the bottom of the person's knee while in standing.

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Safety

Before using the knee walker it is important to make sure:

  • The knee walker is correctly fitted
  • All buttons are are engaged fully and are not pressed in
  • The wheels of the knee walker are not completely worn at the bottom
  • The handles are attached sturdily and do not move when pressure is applied through them
  • No components are loose
  • Inspect the knee walker and parts for dents, cracks, or any irregularities
  • DO NOT USE THE KNEE WALKER ON THE STAIRS

Stairs

It is NOT recommended to use a knee walker for ascending or descending stairs due to safety concerns.