Hip & pelvis prostheses

                 – for hip disarticulation amputations and hemipelvectomies

When the entire leg is removed by cutting through the hip joint, it is known as a hip disarticulation amputation.  If part of the pelvis is also removed it is called a hemipelvectomy (hemi means half, but usually it is only a small portion of the pelvis that is lost).  The prosthesis will include a replacement hip joint, knee joint and foot.

As there is no part of the leg remaining, the patient must bear their weight through the pelvis itself, by means a small shelf or seat directly below the ischial tuberosity (commonly known as the ‘sit bone’).  In the hemipelvectomy the ischial tuberosity is removed as well, so the shelf is extended across to the other side (this is the biggest difference between the two types of amputation).

The socket of the prosthesis fits around the waist, sitting snugly over the hip bones to provide stability and to stop the socket slipping down.  It is generally constructed from fibreglass or carbon fibre.  Sometimes a flexible, polypropylene liner is fitted inside the more rigid fibreglass socket.  The socket is designed in such a way to allow the user to stand and walk as comfortably as possible while still being able to sit down easily.

There are a range of different prosthetic hip joints, knee joints and feet available to suit every need.  Some hips and knees are free to swing and require a certain amount of muscle strength to ensure they do not buckle; others feature a hand-operated lock to give a very stable gait.  Prosthetic feet can be made from wood, rubber and carbon fibre, and are designed to give a stable base of support and a natural walking pattern.  Your prosthetist will work with you to choose the best components to suit your needs.

For more information or if you would like to make an appointment please call APOS on 091 796983.

Restoring Functional Independence

APOS Ltd is an Irish owned, specialist clinical, prosthetics and orthotics provider. We are involved in gait analysis and the manufacture and fitting of specific prosthetic and orthotic devices to clients with a wide range of pathologies.

We pride ourselves on our innovative and creative design and we strive to provide the highest quality services for our patients.

Atlantic Prosthetic Orthotic Services Ltd Company Registration Number 352490