DISARTICULATION IN THE KNEE-JOINT

Based on the results with thirty patients, disarticulation in the knee is to be recommended as a very good amputation level. Two groups of patients seem to be especially suitable for this amputation level: patients with malignant bone tumors of the proximal tibia or fibula and patients with peripheral vascular diseases. Above all, the easy operational technique and the functionally valuable long thigh stump offer decisive advantages as compared with amputation of the thigh. Problems with prosthesis fitting were solved through modification of the socket shape as well as new developments in artificial knee joints. © 1979 Springer-Verlag.