Which equipment is listed as usable for mobility in low lumbar L4-L5?

• A. Forearm crutches
• B. Cane
• C. Walker
• D. No device

Answer: (A)

With this level of function, the person typically has enough knee and hip strength to support a gait, but may have ankle weakness or foot drop that makes balance more challenging. Forearm crutches provide substantial upper‑body support and better balance than a simple cane, while still allowing a relatively natural walking pattern. They offload some of the weight through the arms and shoulders, which helps maintain stability during each step without the bulk and slower pace of a walker. A cane often isn’t enough to prevent instability if there’s even mild weakness or poor foot control, and a walker tends to be cumbersome and slower, making it less practical for routine walking at this level. Going without any device would compromise safety due to potential instability.