Abstract
Introduction: The Orthopaedic Leg Trolley (OLT) is an alternative to crutches in the management of patients treated non-weight bearing. Advantages of the OLT include ease of use and the avoidance of problems such as painful hands and axillae, thus promoting greater mobility and facilitating early discharge. It also leaves the hands free for other purposes. The aim of this study was to investigate the benefit of the OLT following major elective foot and ankle surgery, using a questionnaire.
Methods: A prospective clinical audit was conducted on thirty patients undergoing elective foot and ankle surgery. Post-operatively, each patient was provided with an OLT. A questionnaire, measuring patient experience and satisfaction, was administered after the period of non-weight bearing.
Results: There were 13 males and 17 females, mean age 56 years, range 22 to 81 years. All patients had undergone major hindfoot reconstruction, and many had significant co-morbidities which rendered routine crutch use difficult. The mean duration of use was 4 weeks. After one week’s use, 80 of patients reported having no difficulty; 13.3% had slight difficulty; 6.7% had great difficulty; and no patients found the OLT impossible. All patients had used crutches pre-operatively: 76.7% rated the OLT as being easier to use than crutches; 13.3% felt that it was the same; and 10% reported that crutches were easier to use. Overall 53.3% rated the OLT as “invaluable”; 36.6% as being “very helpful”; 6.7% as being “quite helpful”; and 3.3% as being “not at all helpful”.
Conclusion: This study shows that the OLT is a useful alternative to crutches. It is particularly helpful in the rehabilitation of patients who are treated non-weight bearing following major foot and ankle surgery and have significant co-morbidities making crutch use difficult.
The abstracts were prepared by Emer Agnew. Correspondence should be addressed to Irish Orthopaedic Association, Secretariat, c/o Cappagh National Orthopaedic Hospital, Finglas, Dublin 11, Ireland.
