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 • Prediction of treatment response

Colon and rectal cancer: new biomarker shows which patients benefit from immunotherapy

A multidisciplinary team of pathologists, oncologists and biologists has discovered a new biomarker to determine whether immunotherapy may work in people with colon and rectal cancer.

Photo

News • Endovascular therapy

Simple stent procedure can treat post-thrombotic syndrome

A clinical trial has shown that post-thrombotic syndrome — a common and often painful complication after deep vein thrombosis — can be effectively treated with a minimally invasive procedure.

Photo

News • PARP inhibitors distribution

“Hidden drug storehouses” could explain treatment resistance in cancer

Why do some cancer cells develop treatment resistance? The answer may lie in hidden “storage hubs” inside tumour cells, which create uneven drug exposure across tumours, according to new research.

Subscribe to Newsletter