A 25-year-old soldier loses his right lower limb through the knee joint (knee disarticulation) following a blast injury. Compared to a transfemoral (above-knee) amputation, which biomechanical advantage does knee disarticulation offer for prosthetic fitting?

• A End-bearing stump allows full weight transmission through the distal femoral condyles ✓
• B Shorter prosthetic limb length reduces energy expenditure in gait
• C Preserved femoral muscle attachment improves suspension of the prosthetic socket
• D The bulbous distal stump provides natural rotational control of the prosthesis

Explanation

Knee disarticulation produces an end-bearing stump because the femoral condyles remain intact and well-padded, allowing direct weight transmission through the distal stump rather than through soft tissues of a mid-femoral residual limb. This dramatically reduces skin breakdown and socket discomfort. The bulbous condylar shape also provides excellent self-suspension (inherent rotational and axial stability) without requiring additional suspension mechanisms. Transfemoral amputees must bear weight through a muscle-covered femoral shaft, which is less optimal and more energy-consuming.

Reference: Maheshwari Essential Orthopaedics, 6th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.