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Types of Amputations

Amputation Levels

An amputation level is the place where a body part is amputated. There are lower limb and upper limb amputations. The type of prosthesis is based upon the length of the residual limb.

Our team has years of experience working with all levels of limb loss and we work closely with every patient to explain their prosthetic options. With the patient’s input, we recommend the most appropriate prosthetic components to meet their individual goals and help them return to functional independence.

Lower Limb Amputations (Leg)

Lower limb amputations vary from the partial removal of a toe to the loss of the entire leg and part of the pelvis. Typical forms:

(Transmetatarsal) the removal of any part of the foot.  Different levels range from a toe amputation to a midfoot amputation to an amputation up to the ankle joint.  Common partial foot amputations include Chopart, Lisfranc, and ray amputations. Partial foot amputations affect walking and balance and may require the need of a prosthetic device.

(through the ankle) the removal of the entire ankle. Common forms include Syme, Pyrogoff, and Boyd amputations.

(Transtibial) the removal of the leg above the ankle and below the knee.  Full knee use is retained.

(through the knee) the removal of the lower leg through the knee joint.

(Transfemoral) the removal of the leg above the knee joint at thigh level.

(through the hip) the removal of the entire leg bone up to and including the femur.

(Transpelvic) the removal of the entire limb and the partial removal of the pelvis.  Common causes are cancer and motor vehicle accidents.

Upper Limb Amputations (Arm)

Upper limb amputations vary from the partial removal of a finger to the loss of the entire arm and part of the shoulder. Typical forms:

the removal of any part of the hand.  Different levels of partial hand amputations range from a partial finger, entire or multiple digits, through the palm, and up to the wrist joint.  These are the most common upper limb amputations and are often the result of traumatic injuries.

  • the removal of the entire hand with the wrist still intact.

(through the wrist) the removal of the hand at the wrist joint.

(Transradial) the partial removal of the forearm below the elbow joint.

(through the elbow) the removal of the forearm at the elbow joint.

(Transhumeral) the removal of the arm from above the elbow.

the removal of the entire arm including the shoulder blade and collar bone.

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