ARTIFICIAL LEGS
ABOVE-KNEE ARTIFICIAL LIMBS
Children who are growing quickly need a low-cost limb that can be easily replaced or
lengthened. Small children usually learn to walk well with a straight leg limb that does
not have a knee joint.
1. A bamboo or PVC plastic tube above-knee limb can be made in much the same
way as for the below-knee limb.
The top edge of the
socket should be rounded
to form a wide lip on
the back, where the butt
can sit. Weight bearing
should be on the butt
bone and over the entire
stump—and not just on
the end of the stump.
BACK VIEW
FRONT VIEW
Note: In some
countries, thin
plastic cuffs the
right shape for
socket tops can
be purchased in
different sizes from orthopedic
suppliers. They can be placed
around the leg before casting
and can be re-used. Ask for
‘prefabricated ishial weight-
bearing cuffs’.
633
Best shape for top of socket:
FRONT VIEW
BACK VIEW
wide
lip
higher on
outside
and front
lower on
inside and
back side
inside
outside
TOP VIEW square here to allow room for
cord in groin
flat here to pass easily
between legs
wide lip to sit on
Make the top of the socket somewhat
square. You can reshape the wet plaster
a little while it is still on the stump, or
just after you take it off.
2. A leather and metal rod limb (adapted from Simple Prosthesis Manufacture, see p. 641).
MEASUREMENTS
padded soft
leather cuff
5 mm. metal ring
150
stand with
hips level
leg
length
distance
A
B
C
around
hip
and
across
hip
Note: The socket is open at the bottom of
the stump. This makes it cooler than the
one above, and also allows for growth.
eyelet
lace
8 mm.
or 5 mm.
metal rod
thick
leather
sleeve
metal plate
bolt weld joints
hard wood
car tire rubber
To make sleeve, draw on paper
a design like this based on A, B,
and C stump measurements. Then
copy onto leather and cut it out.
bolt heads
sunk into
wood
A
B
C
disabled village children