Prosthetic-Inspired Crutches

Inspired by prosthetic legs used by handicapped athletes, the Flex Leg is a special crutch that helps people get back on their feet in a more natural way after injuring their leg. Instead of relying on crutches that inconveniently occupy the arms as it relieves weight from the wounded limb, the Flex Leg wraps around the limb and props it up on a shelf so that it cannot touch the floor.

Conceived by Mike Sanders, a masters student of mechanical engineering at Brigham Young University, and created in collaboration with engineering colleague Mark Roberts, the Flex Leg provides better mobility so that the injured can perform common daily activities unencumbered. It also allows for more movement.