Lower limb (leg) amputation can occur for different reasons and at different levels. The rehabilitation program to be followed and the choice of prosthesis are planned in line with the physician's assessment, according to the person's condition and the amputation level. To compare prosthetic systems by level, you can see the Prosthetic Leg page.
Possible causes
The main conditions that can lead to lower limb amputation are:
- Infections
- Tumoral diseases
- Peripheral arterial disease (circulatory disorder)
- Severe traumatic situations (such as work accidents or traffic accidents)
- Non-healing or infected wounds related to diabetes
- Nerve injuries
- Congenital developmental differences
Amputation levels
Amputations can occur at different anatomical levels:
- Partial foot amputations
- Syme level
- Below-knee (transtibial)
- Knee joint (knee disarticulation)
- Above-knee (transfemoral)
- Hip joint (hip disarticulation)
In general, as the level rises, functional loss may increase and gait balance may be affected. For this reason, the rehabilitation needs of each level differ; prosthetic leg rehabilitation and adaptation to daily life are planned according to these differences.
Rehabilitation approach
The main aim of rehabilitation is to support returning to mobility through gaining balance, weight transfer and adaptation to daily life. Before prosthetic fitting, preparatory work for the remaining limb (residual limb) may be done; this work may help reduce sensitivity and support circulation.
After prosthesis use begins, the following work may be planned with a physiotherapist as part of the rehabilitation process after leg amputation:
- Weight transfer exercises
- Balance and proprioceptive (body awareness) work
- Muscle strengthening and maintaining joint mobility
- Practicing activities of daily living with the prosthesis
All applications and prosthesis choices are made in line with a specialist physician's prescription/medical report and are planned individually.
This content is for informational purposes only; for diagnosis and treatment, you should consult your physician.
