Assistive Devices PTH105 Fall 2024 PDF

TIDEWATER COMMUNITY COLLEGE VA BEACH CAMPUS PTA PROGRAM PTH 105 -- [Unit 5 Lab - HO \#4] [Assistive Devices (AD)] (Reference: Pierson Ch.9) **Learner Objectives**: A1. Define the WB restrictions for patients with orthopedic conditions which impact gait training. A2. Identify different types of...

TIDEWATER COMMUNITY COLLEGE VA BEACH CAMPUS PTA PROGRAM PTH 105 -- [Unit 5 Lab - HO \#4] [Assistive Devices (AD)] (Reference: Pierson Ch.9) **Learner Objectives**: A1. Define the WB restrictions for patients with orthopedic conditions which impact gait training. A2. Identify different types of assistive devices that may be used for gait training including the rationale for their use. A3. Describe and demonstrate proper measurement of assistive devices. A4. Educate the patient/caregiver in the safe use of and appropriate care for assistive devices. A5. Educate the patient/caregiver in recognizing appropriate/inappropriate integumentary changes that occur with the use of assistive devices. **[TYPES]:** from most support to least support. Choice of device will depend on individual patient needs. **[Parallel bars (// bars)]** - - - **[Walker]** Gives the widest base of support so it is very stable. Used when a patient needs a **bilateral device** due to a WB restriction (NWB, WBAT, TDWB, PWB) or balance difficulty. **[Types]:** - **Standard:** (SW) -- okay to use on stairs but someone must assist patient - **Rolling:** (RW) - wheels on front only or on front and back with brakes on back wheels. Used for patients with poor balance and/or UE weakness who have difficulty lifting the walker. Should **never** be used on the stairs. - **Reciprocal:** - can move one side then the other; not that common. Used for multiple trauma patients when ambulation is slow and difficult. - **Measurement***:* elbows flexed 20-25° (alternative: level with greater trochanter, wrist crease or ulnar styloid) **[Crutches:]** - Used when a patient needs a **bilateral device** due to a WB restriction (NWB, WBAT, TDWB, PWB). Must have good balance to use crutches. - Usually used bilaterally but may progress patient to unilateral if WBAT (ex. s/p ACL repair -- patient begins with two crutches and progresses to one crutch) - Widens patient's BOS - Allow for greater selection of gait patterns and near normal speed of ambulation A. **Axillary**: wooden, aluminum (regular or offset) - - 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. - - - **B.** **[Forearm (Lofstrand, Canadian)]** - - - - - - - 1. 2. 3. - 4\. **[Hemiwalker]** - - - - **5. [Quad cane]** - - - - 1. 2. 3. - **6.** **[Straight cane (single point cane (SPC))]** **Unilateral device** used to widen the BOS and improve balance **[Types]:** - - - - 1. 2. - **[Platform attachments]** - - - **[Note]:** walkers and crutches are now made in bariatric version -- support up to 550\#; standard version -- support up to 250\# **[Roll about:]** (knee walker) - alternative used instead of crutches. Pictured below -- patient flexes the knee and places the shin of injured LE on pad; sound leg is on the floor. Not good for elderly or those with poor balance.