Determining leg length in bilateral AKs/Replies
Paula Martinek
Description
Collection
Title:
Determining leg length in bilateral AKs/Replies
Creator:
Paula Martinek
Date:
7/29/2007
Text:
Dear List:
I am posting some of the replys and the formula. Most people use the height
of a wheelchair or a chair as a starting point, which is what I will
probably be doing. Thanks to all those who wrote.
Sincerely
Paula Martinek, LPO
Dear friend,
To know the lower limb length for Bilateral AK amputee
there is a formula.
Length of Upper limb from Xiphoid process to the tip
of middle finger is equal to the length from GT to
Floor in lower limb.
I think this formula may solve your problem.
You can measure length of between tip of right middle finger to left middle
finger in open arm manner. It is height of whole body and you can minus
height of head and neck + trunk height from that length.To choose best foot
length you can measure length of forearm from wrist crease to elbow crease
in full supination.
Finger-tip to finger-tip will be approx height before amputation, but making
K/C at wheel chair seat height minus 1 - 2 will make it MUCH easier for
him to stand.
I never concern myself with former heights of B/L AKs. That's over. I
judge their height requirements by how they controll their balance.
Starting height is always the same C.O.G. location as when they're in their
W/C...we move up from there. I have yet to see an older indiviudal handle
taller than 5'0 - 5'4.
I have used the premise that if possible you want the feet to touch the
floor. Years ago someone came up with an average of 17. Why? Because the
average chair height was 17 I have checked this out and usually make the
knee center from 17 to 18 inches to the floor.
After saying this the shorter the better, and depending on the amputee, you
might even consider stubbies. If you have any questions please right me
back. Hope this helps.
General KC for adult is about 18. This corresponds to the height of most
chairs. If pt is new amp, weak or insecure I would lower him by 2 or 3 for
a few weeks & lengthen if needed.
I am posting some of the replys and the formula. Most people use the height
of a wheelchair or a chair as a starting point, which is what I will
probably be doing. Thanks to all those who wrote.
Sincerely
Paula Martinek, LPO
Dear friend,
To know the lower limb length for Bilateral AK amputee
there is a formula.
Length of Upper limb from Xiphoid process to the tip
of middle finger is equal to the length from GT to
Floor in lower limb.
I think this formula may solve your problem.
You can measure length of between tip of right middle finger to left middle
finger in open arm manner. It is height of whole body and you can minus
height of head and neck + trunk height from that length.To choose best foot
length you can measure length of forearm from wrist crease to elbow crease
in full supination.
Finger-tip to finger-tip will be approx height before amputation, but making
K/C at wheel chair seat height minus 1 - 2 will make it MUCH easier for
him to stand.
I never concern myself with former heights of B/L AKs. That's over. I
judge their height requirements by how they controll their balance.
Starting height is always the same C.O.G. location as when they're in their
W/C...we move up from there. I have yet to see an older indiviudal handle
taller than 5'0 - 5'4.
I have used the premise that if possible you want the feet to touch the
floor. Years ago someone came up with an average of 17. Why? Because the
average chair height was 17 I have checked this out and usually make the
knee center from 17 to 18 inches to the floor.
After saying this the shorter the better, and depending on the amputee, you
might even consider stubbies. If you have any questions please right me
back. Hope this helps.
General KC for adult is about 18. This corresponds to the height of most
chairs. If pt is new amp, weak or insecure I would lower him by 2 or 3 for
a few weeks & lengthen if needed.
Citation
Paula Martinek, “Determining leg length in bilateral AKs/Replies,” Digital Resource Foundation for Orthotics and Prosthetics, accessed November 2, 2024, https://library.drfop.org/items/show/228390.
