Transfemoral amputation prostheses

Transfemoral Amputation Prostheses. The femur of functional transfemoral amputees must extend distal to the ischial public ramus, providing some lever arm for hip extension and flexion. The prosthesis for a transfemoral amputee includes a prosthetic foot, a shank that may be endo- or exoskeletal in design, a knee unit, a socket, and a means of suspension (Fig. 33.12). 

Knee Disarticulation Prostheses. The knee disarticulation amputation, while relatively rare in the United States (more common in Europe), is generally fitted as a long transfemoral amputation. Since this long residual limb has a bulbous end due to the retention of the femoral condyles, the socket is similar to that for a Symes amputee. The prosthesis may include a laced leather socket or anterior-opening socket with side joints and a posterior check strap. 

Gait analysis of the transfemoral amputee is reviewed in Ref. 7 (Chap. 14). This reference highlights common gait deviations, their potential prosthetic and/or physiological causes, and possible corrective measures. Note that many individuals with transfemoral amputation choose not to wear a prosthesis and walk with crutches. The use of these assistive devices may facilitate faster and more efficient (per distance traveled) ambulation. 

Transfemoral prosthesis Artificial leg for amputees with the amputation between the knee and hip... 

Since the design of the prosthesis varies with amputation level, prosthetic design will be reviewed for the aforementioned lower extremity amputation levels. Since the primary levels of lower extremity amputation are transtibial (54 percent") and transfemoral (33 percent"), the prostheses for these amputation levels will be presented in greater detail. 

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