Device for measuring and monitoring the fractional load of orthopedic and surgical patients

A system for measuring and monitoring the partial weight load borne by orthopedic and surgical patients, comprising at least one measuring device for direct or indirect determination of the weight load on at least one lower extremity, at least one alarm signal generator (17) adapted to give an alarm signal when the partial weight load exceeds an adjustable partial weight bearing limit, at least one evaluation unit, and also crutches, characterized in that the evaluation unit is built into a crutch and

• a) said at least one measuring device is built into the sole of a shoe or into an insole or into the walking heel of a walking cast, or
• b) said measuring devices are built into both crutches and the measurement of the partial weight load takes place in the first crutch (master) irrespective of measurements in the second crutch (slave), and a measurement is only carried out in said second crutch after a measured value attained in said first crutch has been transmitted to said second crutch.