[Medical Q&A] Using crutches is embarrassing, so can patients with femoral head necrosis stop using crutches?

Planner: Chinese Medical Association

Reviewer: Wang Jian, Chief Physician, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University

During the treatment and rehabilitation of femoral head necrosis, doctors will ask patients to use crutches, but many patients do not understand! Indeed, many patients, especially young patients, feel that using crutches is embarrassing. So, why do we need to use crutches?

Using crutches can convert arm strength into supporting force for the lower limbs, help stabilize the body, and reduce the pressure of about 30% of one's own body weight on the lower limb joints. For patients with femoral head necrosis, especially those in the early stage, using assisted walking devices/equipment is beneficial to reduce the weight of the lower limbs, maintain the appearance of the femoral head, prevent it from collapsing, and create favorable conditions for femoral head repair. Therefore, using crutches is one of the important measures to prevent further collapse of the femoral head. In addition to crutches, walkers, wheelchairs and tricycles can also help patients reduce the weight of the lower limbs. Patients with bilateral femoral head necrosis can choose wheelchairs, tricycles and double crutches, while patients with unilateral femoral head necrosis can choose single crutches and canes. Canes are usually used for short-distance walking with a small range of femoral head necrosis or after treatment. The duration of assisted walking devices/equipment combined with physical therapy is generally more than 6 months. During the treatment process, follow the doctor's advice to perform X-ray examinations regularly until the femoral head necrosis lesions are stable and the devices/equipment can no longer be used. Using crutches is like logistical support behind the battlefield, and is an important part of treating femoral head necrosis. Be sure to follow the doctor's advice and do not discard the crutches too early.