After the above knee amputation, you may feel hopeless because you cannot do what you have already done. With advanced technology, you can go forward to the next level. Many people adapt prosthetics, finding new ways to stay active and live happy lives. Prosthetic knee joints enable movement with confidence and free-flowing natural motion.
This blog will explain the types of prosthetic knees, their workings, and essential factors when selecting one. Whether for you or those looking to assist a loved one transitioning in life after the amputation, remember that the right choice of limb enables ease in everyday movements.
The knee joint is one of the most significant joints in the human body. It links the femur to your tibia, allowing you to stand straight, walk, and even balance yourself. The decision to remove this crucial joint due to above-knee amputation, whether from trauma, diabetes, or other medical conditions, can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. Above-knee amputation impacts mobility and functionality, but prosthetic knee joints are a game-changer.
Artificial knee joints come equipped with additional capabilities that allow them to deliver the ability to move and incorporate seamlessly back into everyday activities with the confidence to live your own life. See how these technologies transform problems into possibilities for well-being and meaningful life.
A prosthetic knee is an artificial knee joint that replaces the bending and support function of your natural knee after an above-knee amputation. It’s designed to help you walk, stand, and move with stability and comfort.
Some prosthetic knees are mechanical, using hinges, springs, or air/fluid systems to control how the knee bends and straightens. Others are microprocessor-controlled, with tiny sensors and a computer that adjust movement in real time, making it easier to walk on slopes, stairs, or uneven ground.
In simple terms, a prosthetic knee takes over the job of your real knee, giving you balance, control, and confidence in everyday life. With the right fit and proper rehabilitation, it can help you move more naturally and return to the activities you enjoy.
Proper alignment is critical for comfort, stability, and function. A certified prosthetist ensures:
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The cost of a prosthetic knee joint in India can range from ₹1.5 lakhs to ₹8 lakhs, depending on the type, technology, and manufacturer. The final cost also includes the socket, fitting, alignment, and rehabilitation.
A prosthetic knee joint typically lasts 3 to 5 years, depending on the type, usage, and maintenance. Your weight, activity level, and terrain also impact the lifespan.
Factors like body weight, terrain, and daily usage also affect lifespan. Regular check-ups with your prosthetist help ensure the knee stays in good condition and lasts as long as possible.
3. Can you kneel on a prosthetic knee?
Yes, you can kneel on some prosthetic knees, but it depends on the design and comfort level.
It’s important to learn safe kneeling techniques from your prosthetist to avoid damaging the joint or straining your residual limb. Not every prosthetic model is made for frequent kneeling, so always check with your provider before trying it regularly.
At KARE Prosthetics & Orthotics, we provide a personalized prosthetic solution based on your mobility goals and budget.
An above-knee amputation may close one chapter, but it opens another, with the help of modern prosthetics. Whether it’s walking through your neighborhood, going back to work, or playing with your children, prosthetic knee joints empower you to reclaim your life.
With the right choice, proper fitting, and expert guidance, your new prosthetic knee won’t just support your body, it will support your goals.
At KARE Prosthetics & Orthotics, we understand what you’re going through. We offer:
We’re committed to helping you transition with dignity, comfort, and independence.
There are many prosthetic leg options to choose from, and the best fit will be dictated by an individual’s level of injury, physical factors, complications, as well as their lifestyle and vocational or recreational goals.
Every amputation is different, and it is critical that persons who have sustained an amputation work with a certified prosthetist and physiotherapist to determine which kind of prosthesis will be the best option for them.
In this article, we will highlight prosthetic leg options and physiotherapy for through-knee or above knee amputation.
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Prosthetic legs allow an individual who has sustained an amputation to walk with a more normal and energy efficient gait pattern and will often allow them to walk without the need for assistive devices such as crutches or walkers. In addition to enabling a more normal gait pattern, they allow the user to accommodate for sitting/standing, stairs/ramps as well as uneven terrain and different walking speeds.
A prosthetic leg includes several components including the socket, which is molded to the individual’s residual limb, the suspension system, which is how the prosthesis stays attached to the individual, and the prosthetic leg itself, which includes different options for knee and ankle joints.
Individuals can be fitted for a prosthesis once the wound from the amputation is stable and well-healed, which can be within a few weeks after the surgery. This may be delayed if they have complications related to the amputation.
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After an above-knee or through-knee amputation, the residual limb shrinks, as the individual loses muscle mass in their thigh. Users will need to be fitted for multiple sockets over time to accommodate for the decreasing size of their residual limb.
Amputation refers to the removal of a limb due to injury, disease, or surgery. It can be utilized as a surgical procedure to manage discomfort or a disease condition in the affected limb. Individuals can also undergo traumatic amputations resulting from motor vehicle accidents or workplace accidents.
There are several complications related to amputation such as infection, phantom limb pain (residual limb pain), slow wound healing, vascular issues and necrosis, neuromas, edema, and skin breakdown. Phantom pain is a common occurrence after an amputation and is perceived in the limb that has been removed from the body. It is typically characterized as a sharp or burning pain that occurs due to a miscommunication of nerve signals from the brain to the spinal cord.
Prosthetic knees allow a person who has sustained an amputation at or above the knee to regain use of the knee and ankle joints and participate more easily in their daily activities.
Prosthetic knees are divided into two categories, mechanical or computerized. Mechanical knees are further divided into single-axis, multi-axis, and polycentric knees. Each prosthesis has its own unique features which are chosen based on the user’s requirements.
This is the simplest type of prosthetic knee joint that allows for rotation around a single axis during flexion and extension of the knee. Individuals who use this type of knee require good muscle strength, as this type of prosthesis can be difficult to control. These are sometimes recommended when there are limited economic resources, as it is the most cost-effective option.
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Unlike a single-axis knee, a polycentric knee allows multiple points of rotation around several axes. Polycentric joints can have either 4 or 7 bars, meaning that you can either have 4 points of rotation or 7 points of rotation. This type of joint provides good stability when there is involuntary flexion during the heel strike phase of walking because the center of rotation is located more proximally and posterior when the knee is fully extended. This knee is typically recommended for active people, or people who are more likely to walk independently, without a gait aid.
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This type of joint locks while the user is weight-bearing on it. They will need to manually disengage the lock to be able to sit down.
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This knee provides a constant friction force while weight is on the limb. This helps to prevent it from buckling when standing on that leg, while still allowing it to swing freely when unweighted.
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Pneumatic/hydraulic components (pistons with cylinders containing air or fluid) can be added to either single-axis or polycentric mechanical knees, as well as computerized knees. This is to help increase mobility and control with the leg and allow the user to vary speeds. When walking faster it will limit the air flow and fluid to reduce the flexion of the knee to allow a faster walking pace. The opposite will happen with a slower gait. Typically, hydraulic knees work well for more active individuals.
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Mechanism and Indications
These knees have microprocessors to allow feedback from within the knee or foot joint. Information from the sensors adjusts the range and speed of knee flexion and extension, according to the user’s requirements. Knee extension is powered, and resistance is provided through knee flexion, allowing the individual to more easily get in and out of a sitting position, and navigate stairs using a reciprocal gait pattern. It also allows for a symmetrical weight distribution and a natural gait pattern.
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The nature of rehabilitation after a leg amputation at or above the knee will depend on the client’s goals and physical presentation but will often include:
When an individual has undergone an amputation at or above the knee, learning to use a prosthetic leg is often a crucial step in the rehabilitation process. A well-fitting prosthesis can help individuals regain mobility and return to their daily activities. This allows the freedom and independence to get back to doing the activities that are important to them.
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