Should You Elevate an Amputation?

Elevate the stump for the first 24 to 48 hours. Move and turn the patient gently and slowly to prevent severe muscle spasms. Reposition the patient every 2 hours, turning the patient from side to side and prone, if possible. Lying prone helps reduce hip flexion contractures.

Do you elevate an above the knee amputation?

While you are in bed, keep your residual limb raised on one to two pillows for the first 24 hours after surgery. This helps decrease swelling.

Which position would be appropriate for a person with a leg amputation?

Patients who have undergone transfemoral amputations should be instructed to lie in the prone position multiple times during the day to stretch the hip musculature. Physical therapy should be initiated for early range-of-motion instructions.