Study and analysis of the mechanical properties and pressure socket for through-knee amputation

Abstract

The ongoing battles in Iraq and Afghanistan resulted to 1660 amputations as of January 31, 2015 [1], where 75% are of lower extremity amputations [2]. The amputation level is determined by disease severity. Below-knee (BK) amputation is used when amputation goes beyond the ankle. The above-knee (AK) amputation is often performed as a subsequent surgery when there is a more proximal disease or insignificant wound healing after the BK amputation.*Author for correspondence Through-knee (TK) amputation, in which the amputation is performed on the joint line, has the potential to be more advantageous than AK amputation. The advantages include a weight-bearing stump at the end, increased stability from the preservation of the adductor muscle insertion [3], simplified prosthetic device creation due to fewer articulations [4], reducing the effort required to swing a prosthetic limb when walking, as well as aiding sitting balance and transition from bed to chair. In addition, higher rehabilitative potential and enhanced postoperative quality of life have been recorded [5].