We know that above-knee amputation is a life-changing experience that requires both physical and emotional adjustments. To recover, concentrate more on emotional balance rehabilitation and find prosthetic solutions. For that, you need the proper support, guidance, and the best prosthetic options to restart your freedom and life with confidence.
This blog will guide you through the process of recovery after an above-knee amputation and offer tips for moving forward.
Reasons for Above-Knee Amputation
Transfemoral or above-knee amputation is done when the lower limb and prosthetic knee joint must not be salvaged. Here are the common reasons:
- Severe Trauma: Irreparable injuries because of RTA or fall.
- Peripheral Artery Disease: Reduced blood circulation leading to gangrene or dying of tissues (gangrene).
- Diabetes Complications: Diabetes without sufficient care invades ulcers, infections, or gangrene.
- Cancer: Cancer that forms in an elbow or knee, like sarcoma or osteosarcoma.
- Congenital Defects: Visible limb deformities or absence of one or both limbs and prosthesis.
- Failed Limb Salvage: In reconstructive surgeries that do not yield the desired results.
- Frostbite: It is described as bodily tissue injury due to freezing and cold.
- Vascular Diseases: Buerger’s disease, which results in the death of skin tissue, is one example.
- War Injuries: Wound because of any explosions.
3 Preparing Steps for Life After Amputation
- Emotional Readiness:
After your amputation, you can’t believe that one of your organs has left your body. You may have feelings of anxiety, grief, and uncertainty about your future. Processing these emotions through counselling, therapy, and supporting groups takes time. You will get better emotional support when you surround yourself with loved ones. And it is very essential after your amputation. - Physical Therapy:
To strengthen the residual limb and improve overall mobility, physical therapy is essential after surgery. It can help you regain strength and flexibility, prepare your body for prosthetic use, and address post-surgery complications. For that, your physiotherapist will guide you through total knee replacement exercises to build your power, balance, and mobility, which are essential for using prostheses - Prosthetic Fitting and Adjustment:
After surgery, it is mandatory to discuss your residual limb properly with the prosthetist so they can evaluate it easily and suggest the best prosthesis based on your activity level, goals, and limb shape. The fitting process is not easy because it involves many steps, such as moldings, adjustments, and trials, to ensure that the prosthetic fits well and is comfortable.
Fixing Process of Prosthetic Leg Above Knee After Leg Amputation
If you undergo an above-knee amputation, the doctor prescribes a short-term prosthetic leg for the first month of the residual limb healing. During this phase, the particular limb is not growing anymore and its shape becomes more defined.
The prosthetist will then take measurements for a final socket and other parts that may be necessary, such as a prosthetic knee joint, ankle joint, and prosthetic foot. This step ensures better comfort, functionality, and long-term success in regaining mobility.
Creating the perfect prosthetic leg above-knee involves combining various components, each with a specific function to restore mobility and comfort:
- Socket: This is where your residual limb fits into the prosthesis. It ensures a fit, comfortable connection and distributes weight evenly to prevent pressure points. A well-designed socket is key to stability and long-term use.
- Prosthetic Knee joint: Acting as the hinge, it replicates natural knee movements. Advanced options like microprocessor-controlled knees allow smooth walking and adjust to uneven surfaces. For example, KARE offers options like OSSUR’s Rheo knee for superior adaptability.
- Adapter Components: Provide flexibility and balance, enabling smoother walking or standing transitions. Functional ankle joints make the prosthetic feel more natural.
- Prosthetic Foot: Designed for shock absorption and support, the foot contributes to energy return while walking or running. Options (all the carbon fibre feet) can balance functionality and comfort.
Next Steps: For a deeper understanding of the options available and how to choose the right artificial leg for you, read the next blog on Choosing the right artificial leg above knee for a step-by-step guide.
How Do You Put a Prosthetic Leg Above the Knee?
- Ensure your limb is clean, dry, and free of lotions.
- Roll a silicone or gel liner onto your leg, starting at the end of your residual limb. (if silicone or gel prescribed)
- Roll the liner inside out so the silicone or gel spaces outward.
- Gently roll the liner on to avoid wrinkles or trapped air.
- Position the prosthetic foot, which is usually turned five degrees outside.
- Slide your residual limb into the socket.
5 Important Routines to Follow While Using Artificial Leg Above Knee
1. Get the Perfect Artificial Leg Above-Knee
An artificial leg above knee must fit correctly to allow the user to move around easily and comfortably. The prosthesis, well fitted to a patient, enables one to balance, walk, run, or any other activity.
2. Orthopedic and Physiotherapy
Work with a therapist to enhance your muscles, practice fitting your prosthetics, and improve your gait and balance.
3. Do Different Activities
With the right artificial leg above the knee, depending on the prosthetic design, you can return to sports like cycling, swimming, or running or do all the usual activities.
4. Adapt to the Home and Work Environment
Modify your living and working spaces to ensure accessibility and ease of movement with your prosthetic leg above knee.
5. More Focus on Self-Care and Skin Health
Maintain proper hygiene and care for your residual limb to prevent infections or skin issues caused by the prosthesis.
Tips for a Successful Recovery
- Take One Day at a Time: Recovery is a very slow and challenging process, so setting small and achievable goals is vital. Focus mainly on one task at a time, and find happiness in your small or big progress. If you improve your mobility, you can use the prosthesis successfully.
- Stay Connected with Others: Stay connected with people who understand you and avoid isolation during recovery. Encourage and offer valuable advice to different groups, online forums, or local amputee associations. Share your own experience with others so that you can help them and provide insight into overcoming challenges.
- Celebrate Your Progress: After an above-knee amputation, recovery takes time. Whether you’re practicing your favorite activity or taking your first step with a prosthetic, always thank yourself for your progress. These moments make you forget what you lost and remind you of achievements, like how far you are now and how much you can attain in the future.
Getting back into the community after above knee amputation has not remained a fantasy. Now, with the help of modern prosthetic and the help of experts and professionals, you can go back to everyday life and even your hobbies. Whether opting for a prosthetic leg above knee or an artificial leg, one must make the right decision depending on the health requirements to achieve maximum comfort, efficiency, and effectiveness of the limb prosthesis.
Conclusion
Experiences have shown that anyone who has undergone above-knee amputation must be prepared to take time and a lot of energy before they are in a position to live everyday life. Emotional readiness, physical therapy, and appropriate prosthetic treatment help people not to notice difficulties and become free again. Stay on the right path to healing, and don’t forget that every move takes you towards your dream life.
KARE is one of the best prosthetic and orthotic solutions in India. It provides customized patient care for all above-knee amputees because it concentrates on expertise in these fields. KARE provides high-quality prosthetics and orthotics to those with disabilities, specializing in assistive technology and rehabilitation solutions supported by highly motivated clinical staff.
We aim to provide accurate measurements and individualized treatment, providing the patient with reassurance and comfort to achieve their objectives.
“Contact us now if you are still confused or looking to restart your life after above knee amputation“
