Identification of Axillary Crutch Length Estimate that Best Predicts the Ideal Axillary Crutch Length in Apparently Healthy Individuals

Abstract

Background Incorrect axillary crutch length (ACL) predisposes axillary crutch users to musculoskeletal and neurovascular disorders. Identifying a technique that best predicts the ideal ACL will be of immense significance to clinical practice by benefiting patients in using the axillary crutch safely and efficiently. This study was designed to determine an estimation technique that best predicts the ideal ACL. Materials and Methods A total of 250 apparently healthy individuals aged 18 to 32 years participated in the study. Using foot-head linear (F-HL) techniques, arm-span (A-S) techniques, and foot-anterior axillary fold (F-AAF) linear techniques, participants' physical characteristics were measured and used to estimate 14 different ACLs. The ideal ACL was determined by fitting each participant with a pair of axillary crutches. The axillary pads were a 3-fingerbreadth distance from the anterior axillary fold (AAF), and the axillary crutch tips were 15.2 cm laterally and anteriorly to the fifth toe of the participant. The data were analyzed using mean, standard deviation, independent t-test, Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient, and linear regression (i.e., mean squared error [MSE]). Results Foot-anterior axillary fold linear techniques were the best predictors of the ideal ACL (r2 = 0.935–0.937), and measurement from the AAF to 15.2 cm lateral to the heel of the footwear (FW) had the highest correlation (r = 0.968) and least MSE (2.142 cm2). The A-S techniques were generally poor predictors of the ideal ACL (r2 = 0.697–0.719), and the distance from olecranon of one hand to middle finger of other hand had the poorest correlation and greatest MSE with the ideal ACL (r = 0.835, MSE = 10.196 cm2). Conclusions Measurement from the AAF to 15.2 cm lateral to the heel of the FW had the highest correlation with the ideal ACL.