During gait training after a right total hip arthroplasty, using one crutch, the crutch should be held in which hand to appropriately reduce load on the right hip abductors?

During gait training after a right total hip arthroplasty, using one crutch, the crutch should be held in which hand to appropriately reduce load on the right hip abductors?

• A. Right hand to decrease activity in the right hip abductors
• B. Right hand to facilitate action in the right hip abductors
• C. Left hand to decrease action in the right hip abductors
• D. Left hand to facilitate action in the right hip abductors

Answer: (C)

Using a crutch on the opposite side of the operated hip unloads the involved limb during gait. In a right total hip arthroplasty, holding the crutch in the left hand allows weight to be borne through the left leg and the crutch as you step, reducing how much load reaches the right hip during stance. This lowers the activation required from the right hip abductors (gluteus medius) to keep the pelvis level. Placing the crutch in the same-side hand wouldn’t provide that contralateral unloading, so the right hip abductors would have to work more to stabilize the pelvis.

Using a crutch on the opposite side of the operated hip unloads the involved limb during gait. In a right total hip arthroplasty, holding the crutch in the left hand allows weight to be borne through the left leg and the crutch as you step, reducing how much load reaches the right hip during stance. This lowers the activation required from the right hip abductors (gluteus medius) to keep the pelvis level. Placing the crutch in the same-side hand wouldn’t provide that contralateral unloading, so the right hip abductors would have to work more to stabilize the pelvis.