Prosthetics Options After an Above Knee Amputation

Recovering from an above the knee amputation takes time and perseverance, but today’s prosthetic legs make walking an achievable goal for many. Durrett’s Orthotics & Prosthetics can help you explore your options to make an informed decision about the best above the knee prosthetic leg for your lifestyle.

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Above the Knee Prosthetic Leg Options

Prosthetic knees are necessary for above the knee amputees to regain use of the knee and ankle joints. Mechanical and computerized options are available, each with benefits and disadvantages.

Mechanical

• The single axis is the most straightforward type, allowing for knee flexion and extension. It’s a durable, lightweight option for those learning to use a prosthetic leg. While it’s a cost-effective choice, a single-axis prosthetic requires significant muscular strength, and locking and unlocking the knee while walking can be difficult, which can cause falls.
• A polycentric knee has several points of rotation around multiple axes and is a good fit for people who walk without a gait aid. It allows a person to sit with a bent knee, but it is heavier than a single-axis design and requires more energy to maintain balance while walking.
• The manual locking knee automatically locks the knee joint when it is bearing weight, providing stability for those with poor muscle control. A drawback to this prosthetic is that the user must swing their leg out or raise their hip for foot clearance while moving, which can lead to issues with the surrounding muscles and joints in the future.
• A weight-activated stance control prosthesis provides continuous friction while bearing weight, helping to prevent buckling when the user is standing and allowing the leg to swing freely when unweighted. It’s a stable choice for those who have control of their knee but tire after a few steps. The drawback to this type of prosthesis is that the friction causes a person to walk more slowly and take smaller steps.

Computerized

Computerized prostheses use microprocessors to collect feedback from the knee joint, automatically adjusting the speed and range of knee flexion. This creates symmetrical weight distribution, allowing for a more natural gait pattern that expends less energy. 

Computerized prostheses are more expensive than mechanical devices, and learning to walk with one can be more challenging. They also require regular maintenance and are most costly to repair if damaged.

What Parts Does a Prosthetic Leg Above the Knee Have?

Regardless of which type of prosthetic leg you choose, there are four universal components in a prosthetic leg.

1. Socket: A custom-made piece that joins your residual limb and the prosthesis. Made using various combinations of plastic and silicone to provide comfort and durability, a suction seal ensures a tight fit between the residual limb and the socket, and a cushioned liner helps reduce pressure and friction.
2. Knee Joint: This component replicates the movement of a natural knee for smooth, stable movement. It also offers a range of motion that allows you to sit and kneel.
3. Pylon: Also known as a shin tube, this piece connects the knee joint to the ankle and foot and uses lightweight materials like aluminum or titanium.
4. Foot and Ankle: Many types of ankle and foot prostheses accommodate various ability levels and activities. Our prosthetists can help you select the best option for you.

Contact Us for More Information on Above the Knee Prosthetic Legs

Durrett’s Orthotics & Prosthetics is a family-owned business with an experienced team that offers compassionate care, education, and connection to community resources. We provide services for children and adults from our state-of-the-art Edgewood, Kentucky, and Lawrenceburg, Indiana facilities.

Visit our patient info page for answers to many questions, then contact us to schedule an evaluation. Durrett’s Orthotics and Prosthetics proudly serves Erlanger, Florence, Covington, Fort Thomas, Union, Walton, Edgewood, Oakbrook, Taylorsport, Fort Mitchell, Hebron, Beaverlick, Burlington, Belleview, Independence, Newport, Verona, Elsmere, KY, and Cincinnati, OH.

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Types of Knees

All prosthetic knees require some type of mechanism, whether controlled by a computer or not, to regulate the bending and swinging of the knee. Prosthetic knees can be further classified into sub-categories, and there is a lot of crossover into multiple categories, but the easiest ways to categorize prosthetic knees is by the number of moving parts (or axis) and by the method of control (how the bending of the knee is regulated).All prosthetic knees, computerized or not, fall into one of two categories, single axis or polycentric (multiple axis.)

Prosthetic knee joints are also classified by the way that the bending and swinging of the knee joint is controlled. There are two general classifications, however some knee joints incorporate combinations of these controls.

Hydraulic / Pneumatic Control:Hydraulic (fluid) and pneumatic (air) controlled knees have inner chambers that regulate the bending and/or swinging of the knee at different walking speeds. These knees are best for patients with higher activity levels and frequent changes of speed.

Mechanical Friction: The friction (resistance to bending) in the knee joint is typically adjusted by tightening a bolt. Often, a spring is used to help the knee straighten before the foot hits the ground during walking. A mechanical friction knee bends when as the user naturally walks as the toe of the prosthetic foot is properly loaded.

Weight Activated Stance: Weight activated stance control knee features a braking mechanism preventing the knee from bending as long as the user has weight on the prosthesis. These knees are typically feature a single axis design and are very safe, simple, lightweight and fairly inexpensive. One of the disadvantages is that all of the user’s weight must be removed from the prosthesis to unlock the knee to enable sitting.

Manual Locking:A manual locking knee is the most stable type of knee joint. The manual locking knee is always stiff and will not bend until a cord is pulled and the lock is released, making it very safe.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of Manual Locking Knee Joint for Prosthetics. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.