Above-Knee Prosthetic Legs

An electronic above-knee prosthetic leg integrates a modern microprocessor that controls its operation continuously. Thanks to this technology, the leg can automatically adjust its mode to suit different movement situations such as going uphill, downhill, up or down stairs, and even a wide range of sports activities. Le Hoan Prosthetics and Orthotics supplies genuine, premium-quality above-knee prosthetic legs at reasonable prices.

For people who have lost both legs above the knee, walking requires a very large amount of energy, so a structured training process is essential: designing a suitable socket is the key factor determining how well the patient can control the prosthesis, followed by selecting the correct componentry, and finally specific training exercises tailored to each person. The ultimate goal is to help the patient stop depending on crutches or other aids - typically after about two to three months of training - although a cane may still be needed for long distances, slopes, or uneven ground.

For a short residual limb, a common suspension method today is self-suspension via vacuum: the socket uses a one-way valve with full surface contact against the residual limb, without needing a hip belt for support, allowing the user to move flexibly, lightly, and with a high level of cosmetic appeal. The vacuum mechanism also helps distribute pressure evenly across the residual limb, improve surface circulation, reduce shrinkage, and thereby extend how long the prosthesis remains a good fit. This benefit aligns with findings from a study by Board and colleagues (Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation): vacuum-assisted socket suspension is associated with better residual-limb volume stability than traditional pin-lock suspension.

A notable clinical case from 2010 involved a 23-year-old patient who had lost both lower limbs - one amputated through the femur (above the knee) and the other through the tibia (below the knee). The socket design and accompanying components (foot, pylon, knee joint, ankle joint) were carefully calculated to maximize the patient's remaining function, allowing them to walk without relying on assistive devices. The above-knee side used a knee with a stance-phase safety-assist mechanism (automatically braking to prevent buckling) and swing-phase speed control, while the below-knee side played the leading role in maintaining balance and turning. After a year, even though the residual limb had shrunk and the socket needed remaking, the skin surface remained evenly toned - showing that the full-contact socket design combined with a one-way valve suited this patient well.

Another example is a 72-year-old patient with a short above-knee residual limb, using a modular component system with a single-axis, pneumatic knee joint with an automatic stance-lock to prevent buckling on loss of control or when descending a slope, combined with a silicone liner and locking pin. These cases show that choosing the right suspension technique, joint type, and safety features for each patient's age and amputation level is the deciding factor in enabling safe, natural, and durable long-term mobility.