Depending upon the cause of the amputation there are different levels of lower extremity amputations, listed below:

PASSIVE FUNCTIONAL / COSMETIC

The Trans metatarsal amputation is more complex than a simple toe amputation. This type of amputation can sometimes cause one to lose all five toes. However, in most cases a simple shoe filler can help relieve any problems with gait.

Chopart / Symes

A chopart or symes amputation is performed through the ankle joint.

Transtibial

A transtibial amputation, is an amputation that occurs below the knee joint. Most patients who receive transtibial amputations are very successful prosthetic wearers. There are numerous suspension systems (pin-lock, passive or elevated vacuum) and designs available for transtibial amputees. 

Knee Disarticulation

A knee disarticulation (sometimes called a ‘through knee’) is an amputation that involves keeping the femur intact, but the tendons and ligaments attaching the femur (thigh bone) to the tibia (shin bone) are detached.

There are several advantages of the knee disarticulation over the traditional transfemoral (above-knee) amputation. The first advantage is decreased rehabilitation time since there is less trauma to the femur. Secondly, the adductor group of muscles (the muscles that bring the leg towards the body) is left intact because the bone is not cut. As a result, the patient will have more control over his/her residual limb. The third advantage is that the end of the femur can take some weight bearing at the bottom instead of through the ischium (sitting bone). As well, the length of the residual limb is as long as possible (the entire femur).

The knee disarticulation level presents an interesting challenge to the patient and the prosthetist. For one thing, the end of the femur is larger than the area above it, which means it can be difficult to accommodate this area. As well, the bone is so long it can lower the person’s knee center compared to the opposite side. 

Transfemoral

A transfemoral amputation, or otherwise known as an above-knee amputation, occurs in the thigh, through the femoral bone (femur). While no amputation is easy to adapt to, the transfemoral amputation does offer more challenges than the lower level amputations. This level of amputation definitely requires more energy when walking with a prosthetic device. A transfemoral prosthesis is more complex because of the addition of a knee joint. There are many systems available for amputees, including many high-tech options. 

Hip Disarticulation & Hemipelvectomy

The hip disarticulation amputation involves removing the femur in its entirety but leaving the pelvis intact. The hemipelvectomy amputation involves removing the femur and a portion of the pelvis. These are the least common levels of amputation. The main causes for these types of amputations are trauma and osteosarcoma (cancer).