Transfemoral prostheses for above knee limb loss
An above knee prosthesis replaces the part of the leg lost through the thigh and includes a prosthetic knee. Orthotics Plus provides above knee prostheses for people who need their first prosthetic leg, a replacement socket or ongoing prosthetic care.
Your prosthetist assesses the residual limb, skin, strength, balance, mobility and daily activities before recommending a prosthetic design. You can contact Orthotics Plus directly or attend through a referral from your doctor, hospital or rehabilitation team.
For an overview of Orthotics Plus services, visit our prosthetics page.
What is an above knee prosthesis?
An above knee prosthesis replaces the missing part of the leg after an amputation through the thigh. Clinicians also call this a transfemoral prosthesis.
Because the person no longer has their natural knee joint on the affected side, the prosthesis includes an artificial knee along with a socket, suspension system, connecting components and prosthetic foot.
The prosthetic knee plays an important role in stability and movement. Your prosthetist considers your strength, balance, mobility and daily activities when selecting the components for the prosthesis.
Above knee prostheses form part of Orthotics Plus’ broader prosthetic leg services.
Parts of an above knee prosthetic leg
Several components work together in a transfemoral prosthesis.
The socket
The socket connects the residual limb to the prosthesis.
Its fit affects comfort, control and how pressure moves across the residual limb. The prosthetist takes measurements and assesses the shape, skin and sensitive areas of the limb before planning the socket.
Changes in residual limb volume can affect fit over time. Follow-up appointments allow the prosthetist to assess these changes and adjust the prosthesis where appropriate.
Suspension
The suspension system helps keep the prosthesis connected securely to the residual limb during movement.
Pin lock suspension uses a silicone or gel liner with a small pin at the end that clicks into a lock at the base of the socket. A release button frees the pin when you take the prosthesis off.
Suction suspension holds the socket on by pushing air out through a one-way valve. With a seal-in liner, soft rings on the liner seal against the inside of the socket. With skin-fit suction, the socket sits directly against the skin without a liner and is usually put on with a donning sleeve or sock pulled out through the valve opening. Skin-fit suction takes practice and relies on a stable limb volume.
A belt that sits around the waist or hips can add extra security, or provide the main suspension for some people.
The appropriate system depends on the residual limb, prosthetic design and individual requirements.
Prosthetic knee
The prosthetic knee replaces the function of the natural knee joint.
Different knee components offer different approaches to stability, movement and control. Your prosthetist considers factors such as strength, balance, walking ability, daily activities and rehabilitation goals before recommending a component.
Connecting components
Connecting components join the socket, knee and foot.
They also allow the prosthetist to adjust the alignment and height of the prosthetic leg. Alignment affects how the device responds during standing and walking.
Prosthetic foot
The prosthetic foot forms the lower part of the device.
The prosthetist selects it as part of the complete prescription rather than considering it separately from the socket and knee. Your mobility and daily activities help guide this decision.
Who may need an above knee prosthetic leg?
People may require an above knee prosthesis following a transfemoral amputation or because of a limb difference present from birth.
The cause and level of limb loss provide only part of the information required for a prosthetic prescription.
Your prosthetist also considers the length and condition of the residual limb, skin health, hip movement, strength, balance and current mobility.
Some patients come to Orthotics Plus for their first prosthetic leg. Others already use an above knee prosthesis and need a new socket, component review or ongoing clinical support.
Getting your first above knee prosthesis
Most people receive their first above knee prosthesis during hospital rehabilitation, often funded through the Victorian Artificial Limb Program (VALP). NDIS participants usually complete this stage before NDIS funding applies to their prosthesis, while TAC and WorkSafe clients may follow a different pathway. Contact Orthotics Plus to talk through the options for your situation.
Recovery after an above knee amputation involves changes to the residual limb as swelling reduces and healing progresses.
Your prosthetist assesses the limb before beginning the prosthetic fitting process. They review skin condition, healing, strength, hip movement and other factors that may affect prosthetic use.
The consultation also covers your current mobility and the activities you want to return to.
Your physiotherapist or rehabilitation team may remain involved throughout this process. The prosthetist can work with these clinicians as you progress through prosthetic fitting and rehabilitation.
The above knee prosthetic fitting process
An above knee prosthetic fitting usually involves several stages.
1. Initial assessment
Your prosthetist examines the residual limb, skin, hip movement, strength and balance.
You will also discuss your current mobility, home environment, work, rehabilitation and functional goals.
2. Prosthetic prescription and funding
The prosthetist recommends a prosthetic design after reviewing the assessment.
Orthotics Plus can prepare quotes and clinical reports for your funding body when required.
3. Cast or scan
Your prosthetist records the shape and measurements of the residual limb through a cast or scan.
These measurements guide the socket design.
4. Check socket fitting
A check socket allows the prosthetist to assess fit and pressure before progressing to the final socket. You may take the check socket home for one to two weeks to test the fit before the final socket is made.
The clinician checks how the socket responds when you stand and move. They can make changes during this stage.
5. Knee, foot and alignment setup
The prosthetist connects the selected prosthetic knee, foot and other components.
They then adjust the alignment and height to support appropriate standing and walking.
6. Final fitting
Your prosthetist checks socket comfort, suspension, knee control and overall function.
The fitting process can involve further adjustments as you begin using the prosthesis during different activities.
7. Rehabilitation and review
Your physiotherapist may help you work on balance, strength, transfers and walking with the prosthesis.
Your prosthetist manages the socket, alignment and prosthetic components.
Follow-up appointments allow both the prosthetic and rehabilitation plans to respond to changes in your mobility.
The overall timeframe differs between patients. Healing, residual limb changes, funding approval and fitting requirements can all affect the process.
Choosing a prosthetic knee
The prosthetic knee forms a major part of an above knee prosthesis.
Different knee designs manage movement and stability in different ways. The most appropriate option depends on the individual rather than one component working for everyone.
Mechanical knees
Mechanical prosthetic knees control movement with a lock, friction or hydraulic or pneumatic resistance. They do not need charging and suit many people, depending on their walking ability and daily activities.
Microprocessor knees
Microprocessor knees use sensors and an onboard computer to adjust resistance as you move. This can add stability when walking on slopes, stairs and uneven ground. Your prosthetist can explain whether a microprocessor knee suits your mobility, goals and funding.
Your prosthetist considers factors such as
- Strength and balance
- Current mobility
- Walking environment
- Work requirements
- Daily activities
- Rehabilitation goals
- Ability to control the prosthesis
The clinician will explain why they recommend a particular setup and how the knee works as part of the complete prosthesis.
Orthotics Plus does not need to use one specific component brand across all patients. The prescription starts with the person and their clinical requirements.
Socket fit and comfort
Socket fit can affect control, comfort and confidence when using an above knee prosthesis.
The socket needs to secure the residual limb while managing pressure across the tissues. A poor fit can also affect how effectively the user controls the prosthetic knee.
Residual limb volume can change over time. Weight changes, muscle changes and other physical factors can also affect socket fit.
Contact your prosthetist if you notice persistent rubbing, pain, skin irritation, looseness or reduced control.
An assessment can determine whether the socket needs adjustment or replacement.
Replacement sockets for above knee prostheses
You may need a new socket even when the knee, foot and other components still suit your needs.
Changes in the residual limb can alter the way an existing socket fits.
Orthotics Plus can assess your current above knee prosthesis and determine which parts of the system still work well.
Your prosthetist will examine the residual limb, socket, alignment and components before recommending changes.
This approach can help avoid replacing components that still meet your clinical requirements.
Changing prosthetists
You can book with Orthotics Plus if you already use an above knee prosthesis and want to change providers.
You may want another prosthetist because your socket no longer feels comfortable, appointment access has changed or travel to your current provider has become difficult.
Bring any available information about your existing prosthesis to the assessment.
Orthotics Plus can also communicate with your previous provider, rehabilitation team or other clinicians when this supports your ongoing care.
Working with your rehabilitation team
Above knee prosthetic rehabilitation often involves close work between the prosthetist and physiotherapist.
Your prosthetist focuses on the socket, suspension, prosthetic knee, foot and alignment.
Your physiotherapist may work with you on strength, balance, transfers, walking and confidence using the device in different environments.
Your rehabilitation physician, surgeon or other healthcare professionals may also remain involved depending on your circumstances.
Communication between clinicians helps each part of your treatment support the same functional goals.
Funding for above knee prostheses
The NDIS, TAC and WorkSafe Victoria support prosthetic care for many eligible patients.
The NDIS may fund an above knee prosthesis when the device relates to an eligible participant’s permanent disability and meets the scheme’s funding requirements.
TAC may support prosthetic care following an eligible transport accident.
WorkSafe Victoria may support treatment following an eligible workplace injury.
Private payment is also possible.
Orthotics Plus can prepare quotes and supporting clinical reports after an assessment. The clinic does not publish fixed prices for above knee prostheses because socket requirements, knee components, prosthetic feet and other parts of the prescription vary between patients.
Patients and families looking for independent support can also visit Limbs 4 Life, an Australian resource for people living with limb loss or limb difference.
Ongoing reviews for an above knee prosthesis
Regular reviews give your prosthetist an opportunity to assess changes in the residual limb, socket and prosthetic components.
A review may include checks of
- Socket comfort
- Residual limb and skin condition
- Suspension
- Prosthetic knee function
- Prosthetic foot function
- Alignment
- Component condition
- Changes in mobility
- Changes in work or daily activities
Contact Orthotics Plus earlier if you experience persistent discomfort, skin problems, instability or a noticeable change in how the prosthesis performs.
Above knee prosthetic appointments in Melbourne
Orthotics Plus provides prosthetic appointments through five Melbourne clinics.
You can contact the team about appointments in Malvern, Richmond, Heidelberg, Forest Hill and Pascoe Vale.
Visit our Melbourne clinics or call the team to arrange a prosthetic appointment.
Orthotics Plus is a registered NDIS provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
An above knee prosthesis replaces the part of the leg missing through the thigh. Clinicians also call it a transfemoral prosthesis. It includes a socket, suspension system, prosthetic knee, connecting components and prosthetic foot.
An above knee prosthesis replaces the knee along with the lower leg, so it requires a prosthetic knee component. A below knee prosthesis keeps the natural knee joint. The two levels require different socket designs, components and rehabilitation approaches.
A prosthetic knee allows movement between the upper and lower sections of an above knee prosthesis. Different knee designs manage movement and stability differently. Your prosthetist selects a suitable option after assessing your strength, balance, mobility and daily activities.
There is no fixed timeframe. Healing, residual limb changes, funding approval, check socket fittings and adjustments can affect the process. Your prosthetist can explain the stages after completing your initial assessment.
Many people work with a physiotherapist as they learn to use an above knee prosthesis. Physiotherapy can address strength, balance, transfers and walking, while the prosthetist manages the socket, components and alignment.
Contact your prosthetist for a review if discomfort persists or you notice skin problems, looseness or reduced control. Changes in the residual limb can affect socket fit. The clinician can assess whether you need an adjustment or replacement socket.
Yes. Orthotics Plus can assess your current prosthesis and residual limb. Bring any available information about the device. The team can also communicate with your previous provider or rehabilitation clinicians when necessary.
The NDIS may fund an above knee prosthesis for eligible participants when the device meets the scheme’s requirements and relates to the participant’s permanent disability. Orthotics Plus can prepare quotes and supporting clinical documentation when required.
You can contact Orthotics Plus directly for an appointment. A doctor, hospital or rehabilitation clinician can also provide a referral. Bring relevant medical and prosthetic information when available.
Book an above knee prosthetic assessment
If you need your first above knee prosthesis, a replacement socket or a review of your current prosthetic leg, contact Orthotics Plus for an assessment.
