PROSPECTIVE CLINICAL EVALUATION COMPARING STANDARD AXILLARY CRUTCHES VS. HANDS FREE CRUTCH A. Dalton, D. Maxwell, H. J. Kreder, C. Borkhoff (Toronto) We compared the newly developed Hands Free Crutch (HFC) to standard axillary crutches (SAC) with respect to patient acceptability, comfort, function and safety. Six patients with below the knee injuries consented to participate in the study and were randomly allocated to two weeks of one crutch followed by two weeks of the other crutch. Function was measured during both time periods using the MFA and SF-36 questionnaires, in addition to eliciting information regarding patient acceptability, comfort, and feelings of safety. Quantitative analysis was undertaken using paired non-parametric statistical tests (WSR and sign test). Age ranged from 17 to 45 years (mean 31 years). All found the HFC easy to learn and use. All found the HFC easy to ambulate with, while 3/6 found ambulating with crutches difficult although the small sample precluded reaching statistical significance (p=0.08). Similarly activities of daily living were easier to accomplish with the HFC (p=0.06). None of the patients found the HFC uncomfortable, while 2/6 found the SAC uncomfortable. One patient preferred the SAC overall. The HFC was associated with a better overall MFA score (p<0.05), better coping (p<0.05), and a trend toward better lower extremity function and activities around the house (p=0.07). SF-36 physical function tended to be better with the HFC (p=0.08) in addition to SF-36 vitality (p=0.07). The HFC was well-accepted, safe and easy to use. There was a clear trend for better function with the HFC. Patients who need to be non-weight bearing due to pathology below the knee now have the ability to maintain use of their upper extremities with the HFC. Potential applications are many. Back