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Crutch handle design: effect on palmar loads during ambulation
D A Sala1, L M Leva, F J Kummer
1Center for Neuromuscular and Developmental Disorders, Hospital for Joint Diseases, New York, NY 10003, USA.
Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
|November 20, 1998
Summary
Forearm crutch handles, both cylindrical and wide, show similar load distributions on the palm. Neither handle type is definitively better for preventing carpal tunnel syndrome, though wide handles distribute pressure over a larger area.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Rehabilitation Engineering
- Orthopedics
Background:
- Forearm crutches are essential mobility aids.
- Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a potential risk for long-term crutch users.
- Handle design may influence load distribution and CTS risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare palm loading patterns between cylindrical and wide forearm crutch handles.
- To determine if handle type affects loads on the carpal tunnel region.
- To assess weight-bearing areas for different handle designs.
Main Methods:
- A repeated measures study involving normal adults and long-term crutch users.
- F-Scan system used to measure loads and pressures in six palmar regions.
- Comparison of load distribution and weight-bearing area between cylindrical and wide handles.
Main Results:
- Normal adults showed varied load differences in distal and proximal regions between handle types.
- Both handles exhibited similar overall load distributions, with proximal and distal radial sides bearing the most weight.
- The carpal tunnel region experienced the third highest load.
- Wide handles resulted in a significantly greater weight-bearing surface area.
Conclusions:
- Forearm crutch handles, cylindrical and wide, demonstrate comparable load distributions.
- Current data do not support recommending one handle type over the other to mitigate carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Wide handles distribute loads over a larger area, potentially reducing focal pressure.