5 Important Resources For Above Knee Amputee Patients
Many people think that once they have an above knee amputation, their life is over. They think that they’ll never be able to do the things they once enjoyed, or that they’ll never be able to walk again. This simply isn’t true. There are plenty of resources available for above knee amputee patients that can help them live long, happy, and healthy lives.
Before we get into those resources, it’s important to understand that above knee amputees have different needs than other amputees. Here’s a quick rundown of what you need to know:
What Is an Above Knee Amputee?
An above-knee amputee is someone who has had an above-the-knee amputation. This means that they still have their thigh and calf, but their foot and lower leg have been removed. Above-knee amputees make up about 15% of all amputees.
Causes of Above Knee Amputation
There are a few different reasons why someone might need an above-the-knee amputation. Here are the most common ones:
With over 25 years of experience, Alltech Prosthetics is the clear choice for prosthetic and orthotic devices in the DFW Metroplex, Waco, and surrounding areas. We strive to do everything in our power to give you the best quality of life possible.
1. Cancer
Cancer is one of the most common reasons for above knee amputations. Often, cancer will be in the leg itself, but it can also spread to the leg from other parts of the body including a residual limb or knee joint, which leads to the need for a prosthetic limb.
2. Diabetes
Diabetes is the second most common cause of an above-the-knee amputation. When someone has diabetes, it means that their body can’t properly process sugar. This can lead to a number of problems, including nerve damage and poor circulation. Poor blood flow can cause wounds to heal slowly or not at all, which can lead to above knee prosthesis.
3. Trauma
Trauma can be in a form of an accident or an injury that can lead to the need for a prosthetic device. When the leg is severely damaged, it may need to be amputated in order to save the person’s life. Due to the nature of above-knee amputations, they are often done as a last resort.
4. Infection
Infections can also lead to above-knee amputations. This is usually the case when an infection spreads from another part of the body and starts to affect the leg, specifically a knee joint or a residual limb. In some cases, the infection can be so severe that the leg needs to be removed in order to save the person’s life.
5. Birth Defects
Sometimes, a person is born with a congenital disability that affects their legs. In some cases, these defects can be corrected with surgery. However, in other cases, the only way to fix the problem is through above-the-knee amputations or the process to amputate the affected residual limb.
Common Symptoms with Above Knee Amputation
Above-knee amputation can cause a number of different symptoms. Here are some of the most common ones:
1. Pain
Above-knee amputation can cause a great deal of pain. This is because the surgery is very invasive and it can take a long time for the incision to heal properly, especially when it involves other complications like a peripheral vascular disease. In some cases, the pain after knee amputation can be so severe that it requires medication.
2. Swelling
Another typical sign of above-knee amputation is swelling. This is due to the surgery’s severe stress on the tissue in the area. The swelling may make it difficult and uncomfortable to move the affected or the prosthetic limb.
3. Infection
Infection is another frequent problem with above-the-knee amputations. As a result of these lower extremity amputations, a sizable wound that is prone to infection is left behind. In some circumstances, infections can be fatal. They can also be quite dangerous when a nerve tissue or both the thigh tissue is affected.
4. Phantom Limb Pain
Phantom limb pain is a sensation that many amputees feel. It is the feeling that the amputated limb is still there and it can be very painful. Phantom limb pain after an above the knee amputation can be treated with medication or therapy.
5. Depression
Above-knee amputees often suffer from depression after transfemoral amputation. This is because they have to deal with the loss of a limb and all of the physical and emotional changes that come with it. Depression can be treated with medication, emotional and physical therapy, or a combination of both.
Prosthetics for Above Knee Amputees
The type of prosthetic you’ll need will depend on the level of amputation. Above-knee amputees will need a higher level of prosthetic, which means it will be more expensive. However, there are plenty of resources available to help you pay for your prosthetic.
Resources for Above Knee Amputees
It is important for one person, specifically an above knee amputee, to know about all of the resources available for them to help them manage their condition better, as well as to improve their quality of life. Here are some of the most important ones:
1. The Amputee Coalition
The Amputee Coalition is a national non-profit organization that provides support and resources for people with limb loss. Their services include providing information on prosthetics, peer support, and advocating for the rights of amputees.
2. National Limb Loss Resource Center
The Amputee Coalition runs a program called the National Limb Loss Resource Center. The National Limb Loss Resource Center offers tools and information to those who have lost limbs as well as to their families. They provide a range of services, such as educational materials, prosthetic aid, support groups, and more.
3. Amputee Support Groups
Amputee support groups are a great way to connect with other above knee amputees. These groups provide support, information, and resources for above knee amputees. This will help one patient to cope with the above knee amputation.
You can search for amputee support groups in your location. In Texas, there is the Dallas Amputee Network. They have meetings held every second Monday of the month.
4. Prosthetic Assistance Programs
There are a variety of prosthetic assistance programs available to Above Knee Amputees. These programs can help you pay for your prosthetic and provide other resources and support. Aside from these, there are also financial assistance programs available to Above Knee Amputees.
5. Financial Assistance Programs
For people with above-the-knee amputations, there are numerous financial aid options available. You can get assistance from these organizations in paying for your prosthetics, medical bills, and other associated costs.
The Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), which provides above-knee amputees with monthly income and health insurance, is one of the most well-known financial support programs. Medicaid and Medicare can also provide assistance to above-knee amputees.
How Can Alltech Prosthetics Help An Above Knee Amputee?
Alltech Prosthetics is here to help above knee amputees in any way we can. We offer a variety of services, including prosthetic fitting, maintenance, and repair.
Alltech Prosthetics also offers mobile services. This means that we can come to you, whether you’re at home or in the hospital. We also offer a variety of financing options to make sure that above knee amputees can get the care they need.
Important Resources For Above Knee Amputee Patients by Alltech Prosthetics
Being an above knee amputee can be tough, but you’re not alone. There are plenty of resources available to help above knee amputees through their journey. We at Alltech Prosthetics can also help above-knee amputees in any way we can.
Contact us today to learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment. We’re here to help you in any way we can.