Which of the following describes the ideal resting position for a transfemoral amputation?

Which of the following describes the ideal resting position for a transfemoral amputation?

• A. Supine with hip in neutral flexion and neutral abduction
• B. Supine with hip flexed and abducted
• C. Side-lying with hip neutral
• D. Standing with hips extended

Answer: (A)

Preventing hip contractures is essential after a transfemoral amputation. The best resting position keeps the hip in neutral alignment and not abducted, so the hip flexors and abductor muscles don’t shorten and create limiting contractures that would interfere with future prosthetic fitting. Lying supine with the hip neither flexed nor abducted maintains balanced length-tension in the hip muscles and preserves range for when a prosthesis is used. Positions that flex or abduct the hip or place the patient in standing are more likely to promote contractures or are not suitable as a regular resting posture.

Preventing hip contractures is essential after a transfemoral amputation. The best resting position keeps the hip in neutral alignment and not abducted, so the hip flexors and abductor muscles don’t shorten and create limiting contractures that would interfere with future prosthetic fitting. Lying supine with the hip neither flexed nor abducted maintains balanced length-tension in the hip muscles and preserves range for when a prosthesis is used. Positions that flex or abduct the hip or place the patient in standing are more likely to promote contractures or are not suitable as a regular resting posture.