Question:

Can a person with both legs amputated get two artificial limbs? I have never seen someone walk on two artificial legs. If that occurs, is it uncommon? Thanks.

Answer:

It is not unusual for bilateral (or “double”) lower limb amputees to receive and be able to walk using a prosthesis on each side. An amputee walking with a prosthesis at a given speed must expend a greater amount of energy/effort compared to a nonamputee walking at this same speed.

This increased energy expenditure is higher for:

• above-knee compared to below-knee amputees
• amputees in whom vascular disease (poor circulation) was the cause of their amputation rather than trauma
• following amputations of both legs compared to one leg.

The likelihood that a bilateral lower limb amputee will successfully walk with a pair of prostheses is dependent on:

• the cause and level of their amputations
• the condition of their residual limbs
• their overall medical condition
• their level of motivation
• the choice of prosthetic components and how well these prostheses fit
• insurance coverage for prosthetic components
• and the time period since the amputations were performed, among other factors.

For more information:

Go to the Amputation health topic.