Use of Ambulatory Assist Discussion

Use of an upper extremity as transport assist: Patients who require use of their upper extremities to substitute for lower extremity function place an often unavoidable load on their hands and forearms. This includes patients who are wheelchair or bed bound, as well as those who currently use a cane, walker or other ambulatory assist. In this context, patients are much more likely to experience problems with pain, swelling, wound disruption and poor fracture healing. Final outcome following surgery or injury is often less satisfactory than would otherwise be expected.

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