What is Below-the-Knee Amputation?

This is the surgical removal of the leg below the knee.

• Poor blood flow cannot be fixed

• Bone cancer

• Trauma

• Severe infection

Possible Complications

Your doctor will review the possible complications. These may include:

• Poor healing of the amputation site requiring a higher level amputation
• Skin breakdown at the stump
• Infection
• Decreased range of motion in the hip or knee
• Phantom sensation —feeling that the amputated limb is still there
• Phantom pain —feeling pain in the amputation area
• Stump swelling
• Bleeding
• Reaction to anesthesia
• Heart attack
• Blood clots

Factors that may increase your risk of complications include:

• Poor blood flow
• Diabetes
• Infection or open leg/foot ulcers
• Not being able to move for a long time
• Heart disease
• Smoking or lung disease
• Advanced age
• History of clotting or bleeding disorders

Discuss these risks...