Crutch handle for carpal tunnel
Karl Entenmann
Description
Collection
Title:
Crutch handle for carpal tunnel
Creator:
Karl Entenmann
Date:
2/22/2021
Text:
Hello esteemed colleagues,
I have an old friend who is a 63 yo man who had right hip disarticulation amputation when he was 12. When younger, he very successfully used a prosthesis, but for the past 10+ years he has chosen to only use crutches. He’s an avid sailer but admits that a bit too much beer has added slightly to his previous svelteness. I’m guessing 5’9” and 220.
He uses standard axilla crutches made of teak and recently had carpal tunnel surgery on the left side. He has asked me to design crutch handles that would allow his wrist to remain relatively straight an not extended due to arthritis and the recent surgery. I’m mostly retired so I have time to experiment but in case someone has already invented this wheel, does anyone have any suggestions. My first thought was to wet a roll of fiberglass plaster and (with cutting strip) wrap it around the crutch handle and let him position his hand and wrist where he’s most comfortable, allowing the fiberglass to set up, creating a model. I appreciate any other suggestions (other than bent elbow or forearm designs - which he doesn’t want). Thank you all ahead of time for your suggestions.
Karl Entenmann CPO
Tacoma WA
Sent from my iPhone
I have an old friend who is a 63 yo man who had right hip disarticulation amputation when he was 12. When younger, he very successfully used a prosthesis, but for the past 10+ years he has chosen to only use crutches. He’s an avid sailer but admits that a bit too much beer has added slightly to his previous svelteness. I’m guessing 5’9” and 220.
He uses standard axilla crutches made of teak and recently had carpal tunnel surgery on the left side. He has asked me to design crutch handles that would allow his wrist to remain relatively straight an not extended due to arthritis and the recent surgery. I’m mostly retired so I have time to experiment but in case someone has already invented this wheel, does anyone have any suggestions. My first thought was to wet a roll of fiberglass plaster and (with cutting strip) wrap it around the crutch handle and let him position his hand and wrist where he’s most comfortable, allowing the fiberglass to set up, creating a model. I appreciate any other suggestions (other than bent elbow or forearm designs - which he doesn’t want). Thank you all ahead of time for your suggestions.
Karl Entenmann CPO
Tacoma WA
Sent from my iPhone
Citation
Karl Entenmann, “Crutch handle for carpal tunnel,” Digital Resource Foundation for Orthotics and Prosthetics, accessed December 24, 2024, https://library.drfop.org/items/show/255288.
