The Importance of Lower Extremity Amputations

The ideal cut is 12 centimeters or 10-15cm above the knee joint to allow for prosthetic fitting. The technique for trans-femoral amputation should provide 5-10 degrees of adduction which is ideal for improved prosthesis function. Through knee amputations are indicated in ambulatory patients who cannot have a trans-tibial amputation, as well as non-ambulatory patients. Outcomes of through knee amputation based on the leap data include a slower, self-selected walking speed than a baloney amputation.