Knee disarticulation

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Prosthetics and Orthotics
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Knee disarticulation is a viable amputation level for diverse patient populations including those with diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, and trauma.
• This amputation level preserves sitting ability, facilitating transfers and reducing contracture risk.
• It provides a well-padded residual limb for end-bearing, crucial for ambulatory patients with vascular disease or trauma.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the benefits of knee disarticulation as an amputation level.
• To discuss its suitability for patients with specific medical conditions and trauma.
• To emphasize the functional advantages for sitting, transfers, and ambulation.

Main Methods:

• Review of clinical applications and patient outcomes associated with knee disarticulation.
• Analysis of biomechanical advantages, including residual limb characteristics and prosthetic joint utilization.
• Evaluation of patient populations benefiting from this amputation level.

Main Results:

• Knee disarticulation provides a stable base for sitting and transfers, minimizing joint contracture development.
• Ambulatory patients, especially those with vascular disease or trauma, benefit from a well-padded residual limb enabling distal end-bearing.
• The integration of a four-bar linkage prosthetic knee joint enhances intrinsic stability during walking.

Conclusions:

• Knee disarticulation is a muscle-balanced amputation level offering significant functional benefits for selected patients.
• It promotes improved mobility, end-bearing capacity, and prosthetic joint stability.
• This level is advantageous for patients with diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, trauma, and those requiring effective transfer and sitting capabilities.