Q :

 How is an above knee prosthesis different from a below knee prosthesis?

A :

       1. A below knee prosthesis is made for 

    someone whose leg has been amputated below the knee, so he still has his own knee joint, and so is able to walk nearly naturally. An above knee prosthesis is made for someone who has had the leg amputated above the knee, so it has a knee shin assembly which bends like a natural knee. The gait achieved will not be as natural as with a below knee prosthesis.  
     
   

 
   
    2. An above knee prosthesis is more difficult to
    make because it has more components, and alignment must include the socket, knee shin assembly  and the foot and be correct mechanically and   bio-mechanically to  achieve a good safe gait.
   
             3. A below knee prosthesis takes 1 day to make, while an above knee one takes 3 days.
             4. Cost of materials for a below knee prosthesis is 1,000 baht while that of an above knee
 one is 3,500 baht.