belowknee

Below-knee is a directional anatomical term used to describe structures or injuries located beneath the knee joint. It is commonly contrasted with above-knee or suprapatellar terms and applies to bones such as the tibia and fibula, as well as muscles, vessels, nerves, and ligaments in the lower leg.

In medical surgery, the phrase also appears in the context of below-knee amputation, also known as transtibial amputation. This operation removes tissue distal to the knee while preserving the knee joint, providing potential advantages for prosthetic fit and a more natural gait compared with higher-level amputations.

Indications for below-knee amputation include severe trauma, irreversible infection, malignant tumors, or nonrecoverable limb dysfunction. Postoperative care involves stump management, physical therapy, and prosthetic fitting. Rehabilitation emphasizes strength, balance, and gait training, while watching for complications such as phantom limb pain, neuromas, skin issues, edema, and contractures.

Beyond amputation, below-knee can describe other anatomical or clinical considerations limited to the lower leg, such as vascular interventions or orthopedic procedures performed below the knee. In medical literature the term is often hyphenated, with usage varying by region and publication.

Overall, below-knee remains a practical, descriptive term in anatomy and medicine, useful for distinguishing leg structures and procedures located under the knee from those at or above the joint.