Question

what are some positioning considerations for a patient with above the knee or below the knee amputation?How would development of contracture affect wearing prosthesis and being able to ambulate?

Answer 1

Patient positioning with above the knee or below the knee amputation

Above Knee

• Lying flat on the stomach (prone position) extends the muscles at the front of the patient's hip.
• Supine
• Sitting
• Kneeling

Below Knee

• Supine
• Prone
• Sitting

Development of contractures

Contractures commonly occur due to the patient holding the residual limb in a convenient flexed posture. The development of contracture affects wearing a prosthesis, by interfering with the prosthesis functioning, and cosmetically placing the prosthesis only inferiorly to the exact site. In regard to ambulation, the person will have an ineffectual gait as he would not be able to wave his lower part out in front, necessitating a smaller step.