A strong support for someone with an injured leg, formed of a stick with a T-bar which fits under the armpit, especially formerly, or a holding bar and elbow clasp.
Wooden or metal staff, usually reaching from the ground almost to the armpit, used as an aid in walking (e.g., with a broken leg).
A n assistive device prescribed to provide support during ambulation and transfers for individuals with paralysis, weakness, or injury. It also may be used to provide support for balance loss or to minimize or eliminate weight bearing on lower extremities. A variety of crutches are available. The most common is the axillary crutch, which generally is constructed of wood or aluminum. This type of crutch consists of a curved surface that fits directly under the axilla, and double uprights connected by a hand grip that converge into a single contact point at the distal end. A rubber suction tip generally is fitted to this distal end for safety. The axillary crutch should be adjusted to suit the user’s height. Other variations include the forearm crutch or Lofstrand crutch. This aluminum crutch consists of a single metal tube, a hand grip, and a metal cuff that surrounds the proximal forearm. Platform adaptations for forearm crutches, which allow individuals to bear weight through the forearm, are available.