Development of a cosmetic knee disarticulation prosthesis: A single-patient case study.

BACKGROUND AND AIM

If a person does not become ambulant after an amputation, a knee disarticulation (KD) shouldbe considered and the person may then benefit from a cosmetic KD prosthesis. The features of a cosmetic KD prosthesis are, however, seldom described. The aim of this clinical note is to describe the development of a cosmeticKD prosthesis.

TECHNIQUE

A non-ambulant person with bilateral KD formulated, together with her physiatrist, the criteria for a cosmetic KD prosthesis. On the basis of these, a lightweight, natural-looking, well-fitting, easy-to-put-on and take-off KD prosthesis, with no thigh lengthening during sitting, was made. This prosthesis was fixed on a wheelchair and does not impede transfer.

DISCUSSION

A newly constructed cosmetic prosthesis for non-ambulant persons with a KD is described in detail. We hope that this will encourage physiatrists and prosthetists to offer non-ambulant persons with a KD a cosmetic prosthesis.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

A cosmetic leg prosthesis with good cosmetic properties, good sitting comfort, and no restrictions in making transfers is described in detail for non-ambulant persons with a knee disarticulation.