Amputation levels with a foot or leg amputation

There are over twelve different amputation levels that are possible in the foot. These range from a toe amputation to a forefoot amputation and amputation of the heel bone. With a foot amputation, a silicone prosthesis is an excellent solution because it lets the user wear normal shoes.

Did you know that diabetes is one of the most common reasons for a foot amputation? Read more.

With a lower leg amputation or transtibial amputation, the lower leg is removed. In doing so, the shinbone (tibia) and calf bone (fibula) are amputated. A lower leg prosthesis usually consists of a socket in which the residual limb fits and a prosthetic foot. The prosthesis can be disguised with a cosmetic cover and may include adapters and connecting elements.

With a knee disarticulation, the leg is amputated through the knee joint, which is then separated and removed from the lower leg. The femur (thighbone) remains completely intact. A prosthesis for a knee disarticulation consists of a socket in which the residual limb fits, a prosthetic knee and a prosthetic foot. The prosthesis also includes adapters and connecting elements. If desired, a cosmetic cover ensures that the prosthesis is hardly visible.

With a thigh amputation or transfemoral amputation, the thighbone is severed. The length of the residual limb affects the future use of a prosthesis. A prosthesis for a thigh amputation consists of a socket in which the residual limb fits, a prosthetic knee and a prosthetic foot. It also includes adapters and connecting elements. If desired, these prostheses can be disguised with a cosmetic cover.

With a hip disarticulation, the entire leg is amputated. The femur is removed from the hip joint. With a prosthesis for a hip disarticulation, the hip controls the prosthesis. The prosthesis consists of a socket in which the pelvis fits, a prosthetic hip, a prosthetic knee and a prosthetic foot. It also includes adapters and connecting elements. If desired, the prosthesis can be disguised with a cosmetic cover.

With a hemipelvectomy, the entire leg, hip and part of the pelvis – up to the sacrum – are amputated. The pelvis and back are used to control the prosthesis later on. The prosthesis consists of a special socket in which the remaining pelvis fits, a prosthetic hip, a prosthetic knee and a prosthetic foot. It also includes adapters and connecting elements. A cosmetic cover ensures that the prosthesis is hardly visible.