Lower Limb Impairment from Gait Derangement

Patient Findings

Severity

Whole person impairment (%)

antalgic limp with shortened stance phase and documented moderate to advanced arthritic changes of hip, knee or ankle

mild

7%

positive Trendelenberg sign and moderate to advanced osteoarthritis of hip

10%

requires part-time use of cane OR crutch for distance walking but not usually at home or in the workplace

15%

requires routine use of short leg brace (AFO)

15%

requires routine use of cane, crutch OR long leg brace (KAFO)

moderate

20%

requires routine use of a cane OR crutch AND a short leg brace (AFO)

30%

requires routine use of 2 canes OR 2 crutches

40%

requires routine use of 2 canes OR 2 crutches AND a short leg brace (AFO)

severe

50%

requires routine use of 2 canes OR 2 crutches AND a long leg brace (KAFO)

60%

requires routine use of 2 canes OR 2 crutches AND 2 lower extremity braces (either AFOs or KAFOs)

70%

wheelchair dependent

80%