Information for Health Care Professionals
Prosthetic Function - Lower Prosthetic Function

It is estimated that one out of every 200 people in the U.S. has had an amputation

The leading causes for all amputations are

Cardiovascular Disease
Traumatic Accidents
Infection, tumors
Nerve Injury
Congenital Anomalies

80% of Adult Amputees have Vascular Disease
  75% of this group also have Diabetes

The peak age for amputation is between 40 and 70 years of age, with 75% of all amputations 
 occurring in people over 65 years old

 Amputation rates are higher in males than in females.

Children and Amputations

Congenital Limb Deficiencies account for about 50% of the amputations in children under fifteen years of age.

 Acquired amputations in children are usually due to Trauma (70%) and Cancers (30%)

Functional Levels

In prosthetics we classify amputees based on their potential function (after rehabilitation). We refer to these as K Levels. K levels are further classified into 4 major groups, ranging from K1(low functional level) to K4 (high functional level).

Functional Levels - K Levels
K1 Potential household ambulator Walking from couch to bedroom	K2 Potential limited community ambulator Walking from house to neighbor’s house
K3 Community ambulator with the potential for variable cadence Working, walking, hiking Amputees whose primary goal is to remain active citizens in society and continue their working life
K4 High activity user which exceeds normal ambulation skills Running, sports Amputees who constantly seek to stretch their limits
Courtesy of ABC TV		Courtesy of College Park O & P Extremity Games
Courtesy of College Park O & P Extremity Games