Question

A patient with Rheumatoid disease, who requires some form of support but cannot take weight through hands, wrists and elbows because of pain should be prescribed which type of crutch?

• A. Axillary Crutch
• B. Elbow Crutch
• C. Modified Elbow Crutch
• D. Gutter Crutch

Hint:

If hands/wrists are painful (e.g., Rheumatoid arthritis), use: Gutter Crutch → weight through forearm, not hands.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Concept:
Crutches are assistive devices used to offload weight from the lower limbs. Different types are prescribed based on the patient's condition:
• Axillary crutch: Transfers weight through the axilla and hands.
• Elbow crutch: Requires weight bearing through hands and wrists.
• Modified elbow crutch: Slight modification but still requires hand support.
• Gutter crutch: Designed with forearm support to distribute weight along the forearm, avoiding stress on hands and wrists.

Step 1: Understanding the patient's condition.
The patient has Rheumatoid disease, which commonly affects:
• Hands
• Wrists
• Elbows These joints are painful and cannot تحمل weight.

Step 2: Identifying the requirement.
The crutch must:
• Provide support
• Avoid weight bearing through hands, wrists, and elbows

Step 3: Evaluating options.

• Axillary crutch → still requires hand grip.
• Elbow crutch → weight passes through wrist and hand.
• Modified elbow crutch → similar limitation.
• Gutter crutch → supports forearm, minimizing stress on affected joints.

Step 4: Functional advantage of gutter crutch.
Gutter crutches have:
• A padded forearm platform
• Adjustable straps
• Reduced pressure on painful joints

Step 5: Conclusion.
Thus, the most suitable crutch for such a patient is: \[ \boxed{\text{Gutter Crutch}} \]