S2E52 - Prescribing Walking Cane for Knee Osteoarthritis

Welcome to Season 2 of AMC Clinical Deep Dive!

This episode focuses on the walking cane for knee osteoarthritis (OA). Drawing on NHMRC Level 2 evidence, it explains how daily cane use significantly reduces knee load and improves function. Learn the essential "3-Point Check" for the OSCE: measuring the cane to the distal wrist fold for optimal elbow flexion, ensuring it's used on the contralateral side, and teaching the patient to plant the cane tip simultaneously with the symptomatic foot. It also covers critical safety contraindications, such as bilateral disease and upper limb pain. Pass your exam with evidence-based precision!

#AMCClinicalExam #WalkingCane #KneeOsteoarthritis #IMGAustralia #ContralateralWalkingAid #MobilityTraining

Pro Tip: In your OSCE, examiners look for specific technical precision. Don't just give the patient a cane; demonstrate the height adjustment (with the patient in low-heeled shoes) and explicitly correct the patient if they try to use it on the same side as the injury. Mentioning that patients often place weight through the cane too late in the stance phase—and correcting this—demonstrates the "expert" level clinical reasoning that secures a pass. Always offer the Arthritis Australia resource to complete your management plan!

Also, listen to the osteoarthritis-related episodes: S2E37 - Patellar Taping for Knee Osteoarthritis Management S2E24 - Prescribing Safe Exercise for Knee Osteoarthritis S2E4 - Aquatic Exercise for Osteoarthritis Screening and Evidence

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