Types of crutches.....

Never ever seen full size under-arm crutches until I came to live in the UK. My light-weight elbow crtuches are wonderful (knee replacement) but even in 1970 when I had my car accident- only elbow crutches were used, just a bit heavier then.

I am surprised that full size crutches are still being used- they are now very antiquated. One reason why they were stopped being used is that if used incorrectly they can cause temporary nerve damage in arms/hands. Elbow crutches are used for everything nowadays, non weight bearing as well as weight bearing. Crutches have a shelf life of around 2 years- not that he will be using them for that length of time!

What a good idea tiggy about the third crutch. Thanks. SIL is seeing surgeon this afternoon to find out if he needs an op or if plaster alone will do. He's currently in a back leg brace to allow for swelling.

I had elbow crutches when I broke my tibia but had lots of metalwork in the leg and a brace rather than plaster (not sure if that makes a difference). If you have stairs ask for 3 crutches so one can be left upstairs so that you only use one crutch and the banister to get up and down