A below-knee prosthesis is a modern technical rehabilitation device designed to restore the lost function of the lower limb after amputation below the knee joint. Thanks to the preservation of the patient’s own knee joint, patients adapt to the prosthesis faster, restore their gait more easily, and can return to their usual lifestyle, work, sports and everyday activity.
At the All-Ukrainian Center for Rehabilitation and Prosthetics “Zdorovia”, below-knee prosthetic fitting is provided free of charge under the state program of Ukraine. We accompany the patient at every stage of recovery — from the initial consultation and paperwork to the manufacture of an individual prosthesis, training in its use and comprehensive rehabilitation.
Every below-knee prosthesis is made individually, taking into account the level of amputation, the condition of the residual limb, age, body weight, level of physical activity, occupation and lifestyle of the patient. This approach makes it possible to achieve maximum comfort, stability and a natural gait.
At the All-Ukrainian Center for Rehabilitation and Prosthetics “Zdorovia”, most patients receive a below-knee prosthesis free of charge under the state program for the provision of technical rehabilitation devices.
Our specialists help you go through the entire process of obtaining a prosthesis:
For many years, the All-Ukrainian Center for Rehabilitation and Prosthetics “Zdorovia” has been helping people after amputation regain freedom of movement and confidence in themselves. During this time, more than 15,000 patients from all over Ukraine have undergone modern prosthetic fitting and rehabilitation at our center.
Our advantages:
At the All-Ukrainian Center for Rehabilitation and Prosthetics “Zdorovia” we manufacture modern below-knee prostheses for patients with various levels of amputation below the knee joint. We produce:
Every below-knee leg prosthesis is designed individually. When selecting the design, specialists take into account the level of amputation, the condition of the residual limb, body weight, physical activity, occupation, lifestyle and the patient’s wishes.
At the All-Ukrainian Center for Rehabilitation and Prosthetics “Zdorovia” the patient goes through a full recovery cycle — from the initial consultation to training in the use of the prosthesis and comprehensive rehabilitation.
The first stage is a consultation with an orthopedic doctor and a prosthetic technician.
During the appointment, the specialists:
Once the necessary measurements have been taken, work begins on the individual prosthetic socket and the selection of components.
Every below-knee prosthesis is created taking into account the patient’s anatomical features, the shape of the residual limb, load distribution, activity level and lifestyle.
This individual approach makes it possible to achieve the most precise fit of the prosthesis, a high level of comfort and a natural gait.
After manufacturing, several fitting sessions are carried out.
During the fittings, the specialists:
The work continues until the patient feels confident and comfortable using the prosthesis.
Once the finished device has been handed over, training in the use of the prosthesis begins.
The patient learns:
Even the most modern below-knee prosthesis requires a period of adaptation. That is why rehabilitation is a mandatory part of recovery after amputation.
Thanks to the preservation of their own knee joint, most patients after a below-knee amputation adapt to the prosthesis faster than after an above-knee amputation. This allows an earlier return to independent walking, work, sports and a familiar lifestyle.
At the All-Ukrainian Center for Rehabilitation and Prosthetics “Zdorovia” the recovery program is tailored individually and may include:
At the All-Ukrainian Center for Rehabilitation and Prosthetics “Zdorovia” we support the patient not only during the manufacture of the prosthesis, but also after they receive it.
All manufactured below-knee prostheses come with a 1-year warranty.
During the warranty period, the center’s specialists provide:
We also recommend attending regular check-ups so that the condition of the prosthetic socket, prosthetic foot and other structural elements can be assessed in good time.
After the standard service life expires, patients are entitled to a free replacement of the prosthesis under the state program for the provision of technical rehabilitation devices.
For most below-knee prostheses the standard service life is 3 years.
After this period, our center’s specialists will help you:
In this way, the patient can regularly receive a modern prosthesis that matches their current activity level and state of health.
After a below-knee amputation, muscles gradually lose strength and joints may become less mobile. Postponing prosthetic fitting and rehabilitation for a long time increases the risk of contractures, worsens movement coordination and reduces physical fitness. In the absence of medical contraindications, it is recommended to start preparing for prosthetic fitting as early as possible.
The comfort and functionality of a below-knee prosthesis largely depend on the condition of the residual limb. Before prosthetic fitting begins, it is important to follow the specialists’ recommendations on skin care, perform exercises to maintain knee joint mobility and strengthen the muscles, and monitor the condition of the postoperative scar.
A well-prepared residual limb makes it possible to produce a more precise prosthetic socket, get used to the prosthesis faster and avoid many potential problems during rehabilitation.
Even at the same level of amputation, the design of the prosthesis can differ considerably. The selection takes into account the length of the residual limb, body weight, age, level of physical activity, occupation, lifestyle and rehabilitation goals.
That is why every below-knee prosthesis is designed individually, and all components are selected according to the features of the particular patient.
It is the prosthetic socket that provides the contact between the residual limb and the prosthesis. If it is made imprecisely, this can lead to chafing, painful sensations, instability while walking and rapid fatigue.
That is why special attention is paid to the manufacture and adjustment of the prosthetic socket. Sometimes several fittings and corrections are required to achieve the perfect result.
Even the highest-quality components cannot ensure comfortable walking without proper adjustment.
After manufacturing, specialists adjust the height of the prosthesis and the position of the foot, align the axis of the limb, check load distribution and correct the patient’s gait. It is this precise adjustment that makes natural movement and high stability possible.
Receiving the prosthesis is only the beginning of recovery. To use a below-knee prosthesis confidently, a course of rehabilitation is necessary.
During the sessions the patient learns to transfer body weight correctly, maintain balance, walk safely on different surfaces, climb stairs and gradually return to their usual activity.
After amputation, the volume of the residual limb gradually decreases, so in the first months after receiving the prosthesis additional adjustment or modification of the prosthetic socket may be required.
This is a natural process, so it is important to visit the prosthetic technician regularly and not to postpone scheduled check-ups.
A modern below-knee leg prosthesis should provide comfortable and safe walking. Slight discomfort during the adaptation period is possible, but constant pain, strong pressure or chafing are not normal.
If such sensations appear, you should contact the center’s specialists for an examination and adjustment of the device.
After completing rehabilitation, most patients return to work, travel, sports and other familiar activities.
Modern prosthetic technologies make it possible to walk confidently on different surfaces, climb stairs, drive a car, swim, do fitness and take part in other physical activities. A properly selected below-knee prosthesis helps restore independence and freedom of movement and significantly improves quality of life.
Answers to popular questions about below-knee prosthetics
This depends on the level of amputation, the condition of the postoperative wound and the doctor’s recommendations. Before prosthetic fitting begins, it is important to follow the prescribed loading regime and not to try to use the residual limb for support on your own without the specialists’ approval.
Preserving the full range of motion in the knee joint makes further prosthetic fitting considerably easier and allows a natural gait to be restored faster. That is why, already at the preparation stage, great attention is paid to exercises and the prevention of contractures.
Prosthetic fitting begins after the postoperative wound has fully healed, the scar has formed and the swelling has subsided. Before the prosthesis is made, the center’s specialists carry out an examination and assess the condition of the residual limb to determine the optimal time to start.
No. During the first weeks the wearing time is increased gradually. This is necessary so that the skin and soft tissues adapt to the load and the patient gets used to the new biomechanics of walking.
In the first months after amputation the volume of the residual limb may decrease, so adjustment or modification of the prosthetic socket is sometimes required. If discomfort appears, you should not endure the pain — contact the center’s specialists for an examination and adjustment of the prosthesis.
Yes. Modern prostheses allow an active lifestyle. After completing rehabilitation, many patients return to swimming, fitness, cycling, running, hiking and other physical activities. The type of load is determined individually depending on the level of fitness and the components used.
The skin of the residual limb should be inspected daily, kept clean and cared for in good time. It is also important to clean the liner and the prosthetic socket regularly in accordance with the specialists’ recommendations. Proper care helps prevent skin irritation and extends the service life of the components.
Yes. In some cases, when the activity level changes or individual parts wear out, the liner, prosthetic socket, prosthetic foot or other components may need to be replaced. The need for such a replacement is determined by the specialists after an examination.
The production time depends on the complexity of the design and the individual features of the patient. On average, manufacturing and initial alignment take from 15 to 20 working days, provided that no special components need to be awaited.
Even if the prosthesis causes no discomfort, it is recommended to visit the prosthetic technician regularly for a preventive check-up. This makes it possible to detect changes in the shape of the residual limb in good time, check the condition of the components and adjust the device if necessary.
Yes. If the device no longer matches the condition of the residual limb or its standard service life has expired, the center’s specialists will help you undergo a repeat examination, complete the required documents and receive a new prosthesis under the state program.
Rehabilitation helps you master the use of the prosthesis properly, develop a stable and safe gait, strengthen the muscles, improve movement coordination and return to an active life faster. It is precisely the combination of a high-quality prosthesis and professional rehabilitation that delivers the best result.
