Above-knee prostheses have come a long way as medical technology has advanced over the years. Today, amputees can be just as functional as their two-legged counterparts and even participate in high-impact sports.
Misconceptions
People who have undergone an above-the-knee amputation do not necessarily spend the rest of their lives in a wheelchair. Advances in prosthetic medicine have allowed many individuals to continue living happy lives on two legs, provided they are in the proper shape to do so. While it's true that these individuals no longer have knees, even aspiring pirates will not be stuck with a peg leg: today's prosthetic legs are miracles of science.
The Facts
An above-knee prosthesis typically has a joint much like a knee, and many are designed to resemble a leg. Some even have realistic-looking feet. However, the availability of lighter metals and advanced technology has changed the appearance of the typical artificial leg. The components of an above knee prosthesis are the socket, which fits snugly over the leg stump; the knee, which is controlled by shifting the body's weight or with a small hydraulic device; the shank, which takes the place of a shin; and the foot. Regardless the type, advanced prosthetics require a custom fit in order to function as a substitute for the real thing.
Type
Because people need different things from their limbs, there are almost limitless custom options for above-knee prostheses. An elderly man who only walks around his home will only need a basic prosthetic, while an athlete with an above-knee amputation will require something more lightweight and durable. Individuals who want a realistic limb can opt for an exoskeletal prosthesis, which is molded from plastic or wood to closely resemble the other leg. An endoskeletal prosthesis, on the other hand, is made from light metal and looks more like a stick. These can be customized in a variety of colors and patterns.
Time Frame
When can you expect to start using an above-knee prosthesis? Some people can begin training with a temporary model a few weeks after their surgery. Others may require additional time depending on other medical complications, such as poorly healing surgical scars or diabetes. Immediately following surgery, however, individuals begin training their residual stumps to fit inside the socket of a prosthesis. This is done with special compression-wrapping techniques or a stump-shrinking device. For most individuals, stump shaping will not begin until the surgical incision has healed to a certain degree.
Risk Factors
For a recent amputee, there is nothing better than being able to walk on two legs again after surgery. There are, however, a few precautions that must be taken after an above-knee prosthesis is fitted. While you can gain and lose body weight or fluid, your prosthesis socket remains the same size. Any significant change in stump size can change the way the leg fits. Additionally, changes in body weight may change the way weight loads onto the prosthesis. Adjustments will need to be made to your prosthetic limb over your entire life, and missing an adjustment could have health risks, such as skin breakdown or further amputations. Check your leg regularly to ensure that you will live a long, healthy life on two legs.
Tags: above-knee prosthesis, body weight, begin training, prosthesis socket