Complications from diabetes are the most common cause for amputations of the foot, partial foot, or toes. In other cases, some or all of the foot may be amputated as a result of an injury. No matter the cause, if you are about to undergo or have gone through amputation of some or all of your foot, you are not alone.

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Above-knee (AK) limb loss (also called transfemoral amputation) refers to amputation or absence of the leg above the knee. Although local processes and surgical preferences may vary considerably from person to person, individuals with an amputation above the knee usually begin the prosthetic fitting process several weeks after surgery.

 A Syme’s ampuation is an ankle disarticulation that allows weight bearing on the remaining part of the foot, which means that the person can put weight on the bottom of the foot and is able to walk short distances, stand in the shower, etc. without the assistance of a prosthesis. It is more difficult to produce a prosthesis that is cosmetically appealing and there are less available options for a prosthetic foot.

Because knee disarticulation leaves the femur intact with overlying soft tissue, the residual limb can usually tolerate distal (or end) weight-bearing, a key improvement over a transfemoral amputation in which pelvic structures must provide most of the support. When the femur can in fact accept weight-bearing, the prosthetist can assembly a lower profile socket with potentially greater comfort. Growth plates at both ends of the femur are preserved, a particular advantage for child patients.

Below-knee (AK) limb loss (also called transtibial amputation) refers to amputation or absence of the leg below the knee. When undergoing this level of amputation, it’s important to know your options and to remember that it is very possible to return to an independent lifestyle soon as long as proper precautions are taken for the care and healing of the stump.

Amputations at or just below the hip–described as hemipelvectomy, hip disarticulation, and transpelvic amputations–are most commonly caused by trauma, cancer, or severe infection. Although there are many challenges to consider and manage with this type of limb loss, with the right support, clinical expertise, and prosthetic technology, it is possible to lead an independent life.