Safer canes and crutches

The biomechanical features of the human ankle inspired the design of a new safety tip called Fedrofuss.

Photo: Safer canes and crutches

When the slanted cane hits the ground the entire Fedrofuss base contacts the surface, says engineer Holger Weber, the designer.

‘As steps continue, the ball-and-socket joint anticipates the movement, ensuring optimum traction. When the cane/crutch is lifted the joint in the tip also moves, assuming the correct position for the next surface contact.’ Thus the tip helps to avoid falls and also facilitates walking on steep surfaces, exercising on gymnasium floors and standing up with a walking aid, he adds.

The tip has CE approval, TUV approval, and is on the German list of medical aids and appliances (Nr.10.99.01.1007).

01.07.2003

More on the subject:

Related articles

Photo

News • Disease tolerance and infection pathogenesis

Different age, same infection treatment? Not a good idea, study finds

Should younger and older people receive different treatments for the same infection? New research suggests that age-specific treatments may be necessary in ongoing antibiotic resistance crisis.

Photo

News • Focus on tumor STAT1 acetylation

How cancer cells learn under pressure to evade immunotherapy

Immunotherapy has been hailed as a breakthrough in cancer treatment. But new research reveals: under sustained treatment pressure, cancer does not simply weaken — it adapts, learns, and fights back.

Photo

Article • Personalised medicine

Gene-editing technologies: from lab to patient

Gene-editing technologies show great promise for medical treatments and research, with the potential to cure thousands of genetic diseases. At the 2025 World Medical Innovation Forum in Boston,…

Subscribe to Newsletter