Understanding the leg amputation process, rehabilitation, therapy, and claiming compensation

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We know that a leg amputation can be a very distressing event. We also know that with the right support in place an amputation does not have to alter the quality of your life.

• What a leg amputation is and how it affects bones, joints, and mobility

• Types of leg amputation, from amputated leg above knee to voluntary amputation

• Causes of leg amputation

• Overview of leg amputation surgery and prosthetics

• How common leg amputations are in the UK and NHS statistics

• Life after a leg amputation

• Rehabilitation, prosthetics, and specialist support options to aid recovery and independence

• Risks and complications of a leg amputation

• How Fletchers and our specialist amputation lawyers can support with compensation claims

Understanding the leg amputation process and how an amputated leg might affect your life, and who you can look to for assistance, it can make all the difference to your future quality of life. Read on to find out more and to see what options are available to you.

What is a leg amputation?

Amputation of the leg is the full or partial removal of that limb. Our legs consist of a complex system of bones, joints, ligaments, and soft tissue. In simple terms the leg can be divided into sections connected by joints namely:

• The hip joint
• The upper leg
• The knee joint
• The lower leg
• The ankle joint
• The foot

Movement depends on co-ordination between the hip, knee and ankle joints as well the foot.

What types of leg amputation are there?

Injuries to any part of a leg can result in the loss of the entire leg or one or more sections for example a below knee or below ankle amputation. The higher the point of the amputation the more complicated any replacement prosthetic will be.

The different types of leg amputation include:

• Above-knee amputation – or transfemoral amputations, is a more common surgical procedure when damage to the leg is caused by trauma or disease. In some cases, it is done to “save the leg” if the limb below the knee becomes infected e.g., if a fracture does not heal.
• Below-knee amputation – a transtibial amputation is where a section of the leg above the ankle, but below the knee joint, is removed. The aim will be to keep as much healthy bone, skin, blood vessel and nerve tissue as possible. Unlike a transfemoral amputation, the amputee still has the knee joint. This means they will have greater flexibility than someone who has an above-knee amputation.
• Bilateral amputation – This is where both lower limbs are affected – not just one. An example of this is when both legs are amputated above the knee.
• Foot amputation – there are a number of different types of foot amputation, which include:
  • Syme’s amputation- The removal of the foot at the level of the ankle. For the individual, it ultimately means the whole foot is removed – but the lower leg remains intact.
  • Chopart’s amputation- A partial foot amputation, which involves the removal of the fore and midfoot. The heel, however, will remain.
  • Lisfranc amputation- This type is also called trans-metatarsal amputation, and it involves the removal of the forefoot. While the toes are removed, most of the foot will remain.
• Voluntary amputation: In certain cases, a person may opt for a voluntary amputation. May be considered to relieve chronic pain or reduce the risk of complications and improve quality of life.

No matter what type or level of amputation you experience, it can have a significant impact on your life. Living with an amputated leg often requires specialised rehabilitation, prosthetics, and support.

What can cause a leg amputation?

Just like any amputation, the loss of all or part of a leg is never a first-choice option. A leg amputation may occur because of a traumatic injury, certain illnesses or following surgical intervention.

Accidents are the most common cause of traumatic amputations and can involve the immediate separation of a leg or parts of it. The level of the amputation suffered in an accident may not be the final extent of the amputation. If the amputee suffers tissue damage this may lead to further removal by surgery. In some cases, the accident may not result in an immediate amputation. There may be an attempt to save the leg or parts of it, but if the injuries do not heal or are so extensive the part affected cannot be saved this may result in an early and sometimes lifesaving post-accident amputation.

Common traumatic causes for an amputated leg include:

• an accident at work, usually involving machinery
• a road traffic accident
• An accident involving defective household products

A traumatic amputated leg from a serious injury can have serious consequences in the short term. It comes with the risk of shock, blood loss or infection. But rapid medical treatment can ensure it doesn’t end up being fatal.

Non-traumatic causes for an amputated leg include:

• Illnesses and medical conditions such as: diabetes, meningitis, compartment syndrome, vascular disease, cancer, and infections such as sepsis.
• Medical misdiagnosis, delayed diagnosis, delayed treatment
• Surgical errors
• Voluntary amputation may be considered after prolonged treatment to relieve pain, prevent infection, or address severe nerve damage.

For more information read our article about the common causes of amputation.

Anyone who has suffered a leg amputation as a result of medical negligence may have the grounds to claim compensation.

What does leg amputation surgery involve?

A surgical leg amputation will be done under general anaesthetic (where you are unconscious) or with an epidural (which numbs the lower half of the body). While leg amputation is mainly about removing all or part of a limb, there are extra procedures used to improve the function of the remaining section of the leg limb that helps to reduce later stump and skin complications.

In a voluntary amputated leg above the knee, for example, the skill of the surgeon is in cutting your femur above the knee joint. The aim is to leave enough of the soft tissue and allow the skin flaps to cover the end of the remaining part of the bone. This creates a ‘stump’ that will fit the socket of a prosthesis – if one is to be fitted after the operation.

For those who have opted for a voluntary amputation the surgeon and the prosthetist need to work together before the operation to ensure the best result is achieved with the stump socket fitting.

With a traumatic leg amputation, surgical options are more limited, the focus at this time will be around saving as much un-damaged tissue as possible.

How common are leg amputations in the UK?

The number of people rebuilding their life after leg amputation is relatively small when compared to the overall population. Data from NHS hospitals in England shows leg amputation statistics for finished consultant episodes (FCE), which is a continuous period of admitted patient care under one consultant and within one healthcare provider. The figures reveal a fairly even split between the number of finished consultant episodes for above-knee amputations (2,252) and below-knee amputations (2,452).

Life after an amputated leg: recovery, rehabilitation, and therapy

It can be really hard for you and your loved ones to adjust to life after an amputated leg, as the loss of part or all of a leg can affect all areas of life, including:

• Balance and movement
• The ability to work
• Self-confidence
• Emotional wellbeing
• Sport and exercise
• Home-life

It is still possible to enjoy a high quality of life after leg amputation, but there will be a period of adjustment and rehabilitation. Those who are recovering from an amputated leg above knee, leg amputated below knee or a foot amputation can benefit greatly from specialist prosthetic support.

At Fletchers, as well as having well-respected amputation solicitors, we partner with world-leading specialists in prosthetics, care, physiotherapy, rehabilitation and accommodation, helping our clients to recover, rebuild and have the opportunity to thrive after an amputation.

This places us in a good position to help you during this period of adjustment by ensuring you are aware of the latest medical and technological advances so that you can make informed choices to improve all aspects of your new life. Those who have had a voluntary amputation should also have tailored rehabilitation programs to help regain mobility and independence.

A dedicated amputation solicitor can also put you in touch with the right people to build a support network tailored to your exact needs. We can also provide guidance when it comes to deciding whether to engage the services of a Case Manager to help with care and assistance for those recovering from a leg amputation, and to understand what you need in terms of aids, equipment, and your entitlement to state benefits.

Talk to us about your amputation compensation claim.

What are the risks and complications of an amputated leg?

No operation is without risk. If your amputated leg is the result of surgery that is elective or the last-resort solution, there may be pain or bleeding after the operation that will soon recover. You could also experience “phantom limb” – a condition where sensation can still be felt in your leg, even after it is removed.

You may also need to deal with:

• Ongoing emotional distress and feelings of loss
• Pain and soreness in the ‘stump’
• The possible need for revision surgery

We can put you in touch with experts and support groups to help you understand, prepare and overcome these risks – and longer-term concerns such as slow healing, infection or even conditions like deep vein thrombosis where you retain parts of your leg.

Claiming amputation compensation: your rights and options

How can Fletchers help?

No-one should have to come to terms with a leg amputation on their own. Our team of amputation claims specialists have many years of experience dealing with amputation claims. If your amputation was caused by either an accident that was not your fault, or the negligent treatment you received from a health professional, we can investigate your circumstances to establish whether you can make a claim for compensation. We can also assist with your rehabilitation and recovery. Any compensation you receive will help cover the cost of any care, ongoing treatment, lost income or even an arm replacement prosthetic.

The compensation you may be entitled to after a leg amputation can vary widely, as every person’s experience, recovery journey, and circumstances are unique. We understand how overwhelming this process can feel, and it’s completely natural to want clarity about what support may be available to you. To help you get a better sense of what compensation could look like in your situation, you can learn more here.

With Fletchers you can recover, rebuild and thrive.

Contact us for free and in confidence.

Q: What is the difference between an amputated leg above knee and a leg amputated below knee?
A: An amputated leg above knee removes the knee joint, requiring more complex prosthetics. A leg amputated below knee keeps the knee, allowing for easier mobility and rehabilitation.

Q: When is voluntary amputation considered?
A: A voluntary amputation may be considered to relieve chronic pain, prevent ongoing complications, or address severe nerve or tissue damage when other treatments fail.

Q: How can I recover and adapt to life with an amputated leg?
A: Recovery involves physiotherapy, prosthetic fitting, and support from specialists. With the right support, proper rehabilitation, people with an amputated leg can regain mobility and independence.

Q: Am I entitled to claim amputation compensation?
A: Whether you are entitled to leg amputation compensation depends on how your amputation occurred. Compensation is generally available if your amputated leg was the result of:

• An accident that was not your fault (e.g. a workplace incident, road traffic accident)

• Negligent medical treatment or surgical error

  By choosing Fletchers, you’ll have access to trusted third-party support networks, providing ongoing emotional and practical support throughout your claim and beyond settlement.

  Speak to our specialist amputation solicitors today for free, confidential advice about the options available to you.