Hemipelvectomy is an amputation procedure that involves removing half of the pelvis and the leg on the same side. It is a rare type of lower extremity amputation, usually performed in cases of cancer, severe infection, or trauma. Hemipelvectomies and hip disarticulations are the rarest of all lower extremity amputations.

Patients who undergo hemipelvectomy face unique challenges in terms of prosthetic fitting. They lack a hip and half of the pelvis, which results in an absence of weight-bearing surfaces and a varying amount of soft tissue covering these surfaces. Moreover, the size and shape of the amputation site may frequently change, making it difficult to fit prosthetics.

Despite being told they cannot be fit for prosthetics, A Step Ahead has successfully fit every hemipelvectomy case presented to us. Our staff has considerable expertise in rehabilitating these patients and helping them achieve any tasks they set their mind to.

Hip disarticulation is the surgical removal of the entire lower limb at the hip level. It is most commonly indicated in cases of cancer, severe infection, or trauma. Most prosthetists do not often see this type of amputation, and it is extremely important for the patient’s rehabilitation that their prosthetist has experience in fitting hip disarticulation prosthetics. In hip disarticulation cases, there may be issues with a lack of weight-bearing surfaces and the amount of soft tissue covering these surfaces. In addition, the size and shape of the amputation site for these patients tends to change more frequently than other amputees.

Quadrilateral amputees – patients who have lost portions of both arms and both legs – are exceedingly rare. The types and degree of amputation can differ from patient to patient, but A Step Ahead has experience in working with these amputees. Our staff understands that beyond the physical needs of these patients is the level of support and rehabilitation they will require.