Medical research praises innovation of hands-free crutch

New independent research has praised the “innovative possibilities” of the iWalk2.0, a hands-free crutch, in helping patients after amputation.

The report, Alternative Mobilisation by Means of a Novel Orthesis in Patients after Amputation, published in the German journal Zeitschrift für Orthopädie und Unfallchirurgie, studied the mobilisation of patients with diabetic foot syndrome post-surgery.

It found that using the iWalk2.0 offered a clear alternative for postoperative rehabilitation, providing relief for the operated limb and allowing patients to be self-sufficient. Giving the example of a 59-year-old man who used it in his recovery, the research commented that it gave him “a positive attitude to life in addition to more independence.”

The report recommends regular prescription of the iWalk2.0 as an orthopaedic aid and states: “The positive outcome and the level of patient acceptance achieved gives grounds for optimism regarding extension to other diagnoses and use constellations.”

The iWalk2.0 can be used people with lower leg injuries. It was first developed by a Canadian farmer in his carpentry workshop, the iWalk2.0 is now a multiple award-winning medical device which has both FDA and CE approval and is sold in countries around the world.

Brad Hunter, president of the company iWalkFree, said: “The iWalk2.0 has helped thousands of people around the world to be more independent and to get their mobility back after an injury or illness affecting their lower leg. We’re delighted that the positive impact of the iWalk2.0 on patients has been recognised in this research.

“Mobility is essential, and when we lose it, it can affect our body and our mind. The goal is to make limited mobility more tolerable and find ways to still be able to get on with and enjoy life, and that’s why we created the iWalk2.0.

“We’ve been putting up with the pain and inconvenience of traditional crutches and the restrictive nature of wheelchairs for far too long and it’s important that people with lower leg injuries know there is an alternative which could make their life a whole lot easier.”

Dave Whelan had a below-knee amputation following an injury at work, when he slipped, fell and a piece of machinery rolled onto his foot and crushed it. The 32-year-old, from Long Beach, California, has been using his iWalk2.0 for around 10 months after hearing about it at his local gym. Now he says he can’t imagine life without it.

He said: “When I first heard about the iWalk2.0 I was using a wheelchair. I tried it soon after and I was comfortably walking within minutes. It feels very natural and comfortable, it’s effortless. Keeping my hands free is very nice too. It quickly feels like a normal extension of your leg and not an inconvenient tool.”