Patient Information on a Prosthetic Leg

A prosthetic leg or lower-limb prosthesis is an artificial replacement that is provided to patients who have undergone an amputation of a portion of one or both legs. Use of a lower-limb prosthesis requires acclimation and training.

Amputation

Amputation of a portion of the lower limb may become necessary due to vascular disease or trauma and less frequently due to congenital defects or tumors, according to HealthLine.

Types

Drugs.com reports that lower-limb prosthesis generally come as either foot, below-the-knee, or above-the-knee types. While prosthetic legs with knee joints are designed for knee-like movement, foot/ankle prosthesis may be fixed or articulated (movable).

Rehab

Learning to use a prosthetic leg, requires training that may include balance exercises, walking exercises and practicing tasks like kneeling. Healthline also reports that the use of a cane or crutches may still be necessary.

Risks

There is an increased risk of falling with a prosthetic leg, but improper stump care poses a bigger risk. Without proper care, the skin of the stump may become inflamed and infected, which could require another amputation.

Prosthesis Care

Like any other device, a prosthetic leg can become dirty--particularly where the stump fits together with the socket. The interior of the socket should be cleaned daily and dried immediately, reports Drugs.com.

References

• Drugs: Lower Limb Prosthesis Care Guide Information
• Healthline: Lower Limb Prosthesis
• Healthline: Lower Limb Prosthesis Training