“Hands-Free” shin crutch-prosthesis: design features, functionality, selection criteria

The special crutch-prosthetic leg “Free Hands” is truly an innovative solution in the field of rehabilitation and assistance to people with leg injuries. It combines the functions of a conventional crutch and a prosthesis, which frees the user’s hands from the need to rely on traditional crutches. This allows a person to freely use their hands for daily activities such as working, carrying objects or performing household tasks — m-lotos.

Main characteristics of the device

• Design and functionality: This device is attached to the leg and is designed to support weight at the level of the knee or shin, allowing the user to walk without additional support from the arms.
• Hands free: the main advantage is that your hands remain free. The user can use them for anything, which greatly improves quality of life and functionality.
• Mobility and comfort: A prosthetic crutch provides mobility and maintains balance without putting undue stress on the healthy leg, reducing the risk of additional trauma or asymmetrical load on the body.
• Application: Suitable for people recovering from leg injuries or surgery, or those who are temporarily unable to put weight on one leg. The device can be used during the rehabilitation period to partially restore mobility.

This device is especially relevant for people for whom it is important to maintain an active lifestyle and at the same time minimize dependence on the help of others.

Crutch-prosthetic leg “Hands-free” — in what cases and for whom

In what cases is it used?

Lower extremity injuries:

• fractures, sprains or injuries in which you cannot put weight on the leg.
• injuries to the ankle or knee joint, requiring temporary removal of the load from the injured leg.

Postoperative periods:

• after operations on bones, joints or ligaments of the lower extremities (for example, after knee or ankle replacement).
• after amputation of part of the leg (below the knee), if it is necessary to maintain rehabilitation until a permanent prosthesis is installed.

Diseases affecting mobility:

• for diseases such as diabetic foot, osteoarthritis or other pathologies that require temporary release of the leg from the load.
• for patients with chronic pain syndromes who need to reduce the load on an injured or painful leg.

Who is it suitable for?

Adults:

• The main audience is adults recovering from injury or surgery. This prosthesis allows them to remain active and perform daily activities without having to rely on assistance.
• able-bodied people who do not want to completely lose the functionality of their hands, for example, drivers, office workers, people employed in various professions.

Children:

• The prosthetic crutch is also suitable for children with injuries or illnesses that require temporary unloading of the leg.
• It is important that the device is suitable for the height and weight of the child, so there are adaptations of models for children so that they can remain active and play as before.

Benefits for different age groups:

• adults: the convenience of “hands-free” is especially important for working people engaged in active daily activities. This solution helps you return to normal life faster, even during the rehabilitation period.
• Children: Active children can continue to move, play, and attend school without the need for traditional crutches, making their recovery much easier and reducing the psychological stress of loss of mobility.

Example situations:

• an athlete with a leg injury (such as skiing, soccer, or basketball) who requires temporary support but wants to retain the use of his arms for training or work.
• a person recovering from joint replacement surgery and requiring long-term rehabilitation while maintaining an active life.
• a child with a broken leg who needs to remain active and mobile in everyday life.

Thus, “Hands Free” allows users, regardless of age, to continue active activities with minimal impact on quality of life during the rehabilitation period.

“Hands-free” — construction materials

The design of the “Hands Free” shin prosthetic crutch is made from modern lightweight and durable materials that simultaneously provide stability, comfort and durability. Here are the main materials that are commonly used in such products:

Aluminum alloys:

• aluminum is used for the main frame or frame of the device. This is one of the most popular materials for such structures due to its lightness And strength.
• Aluminum alloys are also resistant to corrosion, making the device durable and reliable, especially during long-term use.

Carbon fiber (carbon):

• some models use carbon fiber to create lighter, more high-tech prosthetics. Carbon is different high strength and at the same time has very light weightwhich helps reduce the burden on the user and makes the device more comfortable for daily wear.
• carbon fiber also has vibration resistancewhich provides greater comfort when moving.

Plastics and composite materials:

• internal parts such as fasteners and shock absorbers can be made of composite materials or reinforced plastic. These materials provide flexibility, ease of use and adaptation of the device to the anatomical features of the user.
• High-quality plastics are typically used to create comfortable, soft linings and shock-absorbing elements.

Silicone and polymer inserts:

• important comfort elements such as fastenings or pads for skin contact (e.g. in the knee area) are often made from silicone or other soft polymers.
• silicone provides softness and prevents chafing of the skin, and also helps to evenly distribute the load and provide comfort during prolonged use.

Neoprene or textile materials:

• for straps and fastenings that secure the prosthesis to the leg, often used neoprene or special textile materials with good elasticity and breathability worthlessness.
• These materials help secure the device tightly without causing discomfort or skin irritation.

Shock-absorbing elements:

• can be built into the design shock absorbers made of durable polymers or rubber that reduce shock loads on the joints and spine when walking. This helps reduce fatigue when using the prosthesis for a long time.

So, being created using strong, lightweight and wear-resistant materials — aluminum alloys or carbon fiber for the frame, silicone and polymers for comfort, as well as textiles for fastenings — the “Hands Free” prosthetic crutch is a comfortable, safe and durable device for daily use by both adults and children.

Selection criteria

Size and fit:

• height: the prosthetic crutch must match the height of the user to ensure proper distribution of the load on the leg. Many models have adjustable height, which allows you to adjust them to individual parameters.
• User Weight: The device must be rated for the maximum weight it can support. Be sure to check that the model you choose can safely support your weight.
• anatomical compatibility: it is important that the prosthetic crutch fits well the shape of your leg, especially in the area of ​​the knee and lower leg, where the main fixation occurs.

Materials and weight:

• The lightweight nature of the device is key, especially if you need to use it for long periods of time. Aluminum or carbon models are preferred as they are lightweight but durable.
• materials in contact with the skin (linings, fastenings) must be made of hypoallergenic And breathable materials to prevent skin irritation during prolonged use.

Convenience and comfort:

• shock absorption: an important element, especially when walking for a long time. The presence of shock-absorbing elements will reduce shock loads on the joints, which will make use more comfortable.
• Pads: Make sure that the device is equipped with soft and high-quality pads, especially where it attaches to the leg. This will prevent chafing and discomfort.
• Flexibility of fastenings: comfortable and easily adjustable straps or fastenings will allow you to securely fix the prosthesis on your leg, ensuring comfort when moving.

Functionality and mobility:

• adjustment: models with the ability to adjust the level of load and height will be more convenient, since they can be adapted to different phases of rehabilitation.
• freedom of movement: a good prosthetic crutch should allow maximum natural movement, with minimal restrictions for the user. Pay attention to the weight of the device and its moving parts so that they do not create additional obstacles in movement.

Strength and Durability:

• wear resistance materials is important, especially if the device is planned to be used for a long time or in intensive conditions (outdoors, on uneven surfaces). Aluminum And carbon cope well with loads and are resistant to wear.
• check build quality and the components used. It is important that all mechanisms are reliable and resistant to daily stress.

Purpose and rehabilitation phase:

Select a model depending on your current condition and stage of rehabilitation. For example:

• in the early stages, a model with increased support may be needed to take the pressure off the injured leg.
• During the recovery period, you can use lighter models with improved mobility, which will help you gradually return to an active life.

Devices for long-term use may have more features such as adjustable load, while for short-term rehabilitation simpler models are suitable.

Reviews and reputation of the manufacturer:

• Read reviews from real users about the models you are interested in. This will help you understand how effective and convenient a particular model is in real conditions.
• Reliable, reputable manufacturers often provide warranties for their products, which is important for such a specialized device.

Price and budget:

• Prosthetic crutches can vary greatly in price depending on the materials and features used. Higher-tech, lighter models with shock absorption and adjustment may cost more.
• compare models taking into account your budget, but do not sacrifice quality in favor of savings, since the convenience and durability of the device directly affect the comfort and success of your rehabilitation.

Important: when choosing a “Hands-Free” leg prosthetic crutch, it is important to consider the size and compliance with the anatomy, materials and weight, convenience and functionality of the device. Durability, recovery phase and adjustability also play a key role in the choice.