Below Knee

Below Knee (BK) or Trans-Tibial (TT) Amputation

A below-knee amputation (BKA) is an amputation often performed for foot and ankle problems. The BKA often leads to the use of an artificial leg that can allow a patient to walk and is performed roughly in the area between the ankle and knee. This provides good results for a wide range of patients with many different diseases and injuries. The variety of prosthetic options for below knee amputees has exploded in recent history. With motor powered foot prosthetics, shock absorbing feet, and auto-adjusting feet all now available, a skilled prosthetist is more important than ever to determine the best prosthetic foot for your needs. Socket designs, foot designs, and gel and silicone skin interfaces have all advanced dramatically.

These individuals still have control of their knee joint but do not have an ankle or a foot. For these clients, we sometimes incorporate the shape of their knee anatomy into the design of the socket for suspending the prosthesis. Other suspension techniques may include suction or mechanical locking devices used in conjunction with a roll-on gel liner. The gel liners provide a two-fold job. First, as a skin-socket interface to protect the limb from excessive irritation and second, to provide suspension. The liners can come with pin attachments that slide into a locking mechanism in the bottom of the prosthetic socket.