orthopedic cane

Indications

• for the least impaired
• increase balance
• decrease pain
• decrease weight bearing*
• compensate for weakness
• scan immediate environment
• useful on stairs (walker is NOT)

* < 10% of weight

Procedure

use of cane

• used opposite the affected leg
• cane advanced with affected leg
• proper fit
  • fits to wrist with arm to side at rest
  • with handle at level of wrist, elbow should be flexed 15-20 degrees during stance phase
• check rubber tip regularly for wear
• 'C' handle is suboptimal; consider more anatomic handle
• center of gravity should remain over feet

More general terms

• ambulatory device

More specific terms

• quad cane (4-point or multiple-point cane)
• single point cane (SPC, includes wooden cane, aluminum cane, offset cane)

Additional terms

• orthopedic crutches
• walker