Professional Information

Click here to view results from a hands-free crutch medical trial and study

iWALKFree… The Hands-Free Crutch is a Class I medical device in Canada, and has secured a Medical Device Establishment Licence (# 769) from Health Canada's Therapeutic Products Programme.

The device has earned early commendation in clinical and practical testing, and continues to undergo similar testing.

The primary clinical evaluation of iWALKFree… The Hands-Free Crutch was conducted in 1999 by the SWCHSC's Orthopaedic and Arthritic Institute's Fracture Clinic in Toronto. The report Prospective Clinical Evaluation Comparing Standard Axillary Crutches vs. The Hands-Free Crutch [iWALKFree…The Hands-Free Crutch] was authored by A. Dalton, D. Maxwell, H.J. Kreder and C. Borkoff.

The data from the clinical trial was presented at the Canadian Orthopedic Associations AGM in Edmonton (June 3-6, 2000)

To view the abstract from the report click here.

A more comprehensive, multi-specialty, multi-disciplinary study by SWCHSC and various faculties of the University of Toronto is currently being developed.

TESTIMONIALS

"I was very impressed with the ingenuity and simplicity of his design, but was more impressed at the ease with which I was able to apply the apparatus and ambulate without any weight bearing on my foot. I think that there will be a large group of patients throughout the country… who will benefit from this type of apparatus."- Dr. Stephen J. Snyder, Southern California Orthopedic Institute.

"When used appropriately, this walking aid could allow early mobilization and help decrease loss of both bone density and muscle strength."- Janet Cleave, H.B.Sc., B.Sc.P.T. Stevenson Memorial Hospital, Alliston, Ontario.

"It is my personal opinion that the hands-free crutch allows for greater mobility, thus enabling the user to handle their day to day affairs with greater independence."- A. Ragunathan, Coordinator, Home Healthcare, Canadian Red Cross.

his crutch… was used effectively by Mr. Matthews after a lower extremity injury."- Dr. David J.G. Stephen, Orthopaedic Surgeon, Toronto, Ontario.

"The design of the device appears innovative, and will provide an important treatment option for victims of land mines and others for which [sic] a hands-free crutch is appropriate."- The Honourable Allan Rock, Minister of Health, Canada.

"It is always rewarding to see Canadian capacity being developed in the area of mine action…we will be prepared to explore ways in which we might assist in field testing the CANADALEG [iWALKFree]."-The Honourable Lloyd Axworhty, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Canada.