PTP 5 Fitting Assistive Devices, Weight Bearing Statuses Practice Test

Choosing an assistive device hinges on how much weight the patient can safely bear and how much balance support they need. For someone with mild knee osteoarthritis and only mild balance deficits who can bear full weight, a cane is the most appropriate option because it provides just enough stability without over-restricting gait or adding excessive bulk. Holding the cane in the hand opposite the affected knee helps offload some load from the knee and improves balance, aiding confidence during ambulation while keeping walking relatively natural and easy to manage.

A standard walker offers more stability but is bulky and can hinder mobility for someone with only mild balance issues. A hemi-walker sits between a cane and a full walker in terms of support but is still more cumbersome than needed for this level of balance deficit. Axillary crutches require more upper-body strength and coordination and carry a higher risk of nerve compression under the arm, making them less suitable when mild balance deficits are present and full weight bearing is allowed.