Figure 1-8. 4-point crutch walking gait.

1-13. CRUTCH WALKING GAITS

a. The 4-point gait (see figure 1-8) is used when the patient can bear some

weight on both lower extremities. Place the patient in the tripod position and instruct

him to do the following.

(1)

Move the right crutch forward.

(2)

Move the left foot forward.

(3)

Move the left crutch forward.

(4)

Move the right foot forward.

(5)

Repeat this sequence of crutch-foot-crutch-foot for desired ambulation.

Figure 1-8. 4-point crutch walking gait.

b. The 3-point gait (see figure 1-9) is used when the patient should not bear any

weight on the affected leg. Place the patient in the tripod position and instruct him to do

the following.

(1)

Move the affected (non-weight bearing) leg and both crutches forward

together.

(2)

Move the unaffected (weight bearing) leg forward.

(3)

Repeat this sequence for desired ambulation.

MD0916

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