An assessment of above- and through-knee amputations

Abstract

Abstract Above- and through-knee amputations have been performed in 126 patients at St. Mary's Hospital between 1961 and 1970 Whilst there was a higher operative mortality amongst the above-knee amputees, the local complication rate was much higher in the through-knee group. The mortality rate in the two groups following discharge from hospital was high. The through-knee amputation provides a better functional result than the above-knee type but mobility in both groups might be improved by ‘refresher courses’ in walking training.