Design flaws limit use, may create risks
I am a post-polio survivor, and have used crutches for over 60 years. While the general quality of the Medline units was similar to others, I have (after several attempts) noticed design flaws, relative to my 20+ year old forearm crutches. The distance between the handhold and the crutch body is too short, forcing one's hands against that shaft. My old ones are at least 1/2" further away. When the Medlines arrived, one cuff was almost 1/2" wider at its mouth than the other, too wide to hold a male's arm, unless he's a longshoreman or body builder. I ordered a pair of replacement cuffs, which took 3 weeks to arrive. I then noticed that they (and the originals) had too much rotational play, i.e., the cuffs rotated slightly with each step I took. The holes that held the cuff to the shaft are slightly too large, allowing the rotation. This was sufficient to create both balance issues and wear on the forearms of my shirt sleeves. I will donate these units, which are OK for short term use by a recovering person, but not acceptable for someone who will use them on a continuous basis.
Rating: 2 stars