Efficacy and Cost Effectiveness of Utilizing a Hydraulically Adjustable Walker in the Treatment of Hip Fracture

The HAW is a based on a conventional walker but has innovative telescoping legs with a leg adjustment assembly that includes at least one valve and at least one tube that delivers hydraulic fluid into the legs and allows a user to control the length of each leg. The legs of the walker are hydraulically adjustable, so that the front legs may be shortened and the back legs extended, or two side legs shortened and the two opposing side legs extended, so as to allow the walker to be securely placed on two different steps. This allows the user to be able to stand on a stair without worrying about sharing the same stair with the device. It also ensures that the height of the walker continues to be the right height for the user to minimize loss of balance.

A walker consists primarily of a metal frame with four legs which are stabilized by crossbars. These walker frames come in a variety of shapes and sizes; many consist primarily of two inverted U-shaped leg modules connected by crossbars. Regardless of the shape or form of the leg modules, each walker frame forms a 3-sided box with an opening in which the user may stand.