The first of its kind in the world, iWALKFree is a revolutionary hands-free crutch designed to meet the mobility needs of people with non-weight bearing lower leg injuries. Lightweight and comfortable, the IWalkFree can replace standard crutches, allowing for an early return to daily activities. Used to treat cases of foot or ankle fracture, achilles tendon rupture, lower extremity trauma, or other lower extremity injuries. The crutch supports the knee and upper leg using a universal, ambidextrous fastening system that allows for almost any adjustment for user height and leg size. Features comfortable foam pad and no-tool assembly. It is easy to assemble and fully adjustable to meet the needs of adults and young people of varying height. Supports users up to 300 lbs.
Product History:
The story is familiar. A bad fall. Broken bones. Surgery. Then a slow recovery period, during which the individual can only move around with the aid of crutches, handicapping any useful activity. Not for Lance Matthews. In November of 97, after sustaining a bad fall, Matthews set out to invent a device that would replace his crutches and restore his self-sufficiency. The first unit was constructed from wood. It proved so practical that Matthews was able to go on holiday as planned and indulge in long walks.
The doctors and orthopaedic technologists at Toronto's Sunnybrook and Women's College Health Sciences Centre, one of the leading orthopaedic research facilities in North America, were so impressed that they understood an immediate trial of the device should ensue, and recommended patent protection. With manufacturing advice from a colleague, Matthews embarked on a new phase of development. Early prototype work was refined with the assistance of a variety of professional advisors, all of whom shared in a determination to offer crutch and cane users a dramatic improvement in their personal mobility.
In a letter dated July 30, 1999, the Canadian Minister of Health indicated that iWALKFree was a Class 1 medical device and that its design "appears innovative … and will provide an important treatment option for victims of land mines and others for which [sic] a hands free crutch is appropriate." The product has received a Medical Device Establishment Licence (769) from Health Canada's Therapeutic Products Programme.
On the basis of early positive clinical and personal reviews, iWALKFree is being commercially developed by CANADALEG INC., an authorized Canadian firm headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario.
