Which postoperative positioning is generally avoided for an above-knee amputation (AKA) patient in the first day?

• A. Placing an AKA patient 24 hours post op in prone position
• B. Encouraging early ambulation after colon resection
• C. Keeping the patient supine with legs elevated
• D. Providing a soft pillow under the stump while prone

Answer: (A)

Right after an above-knee amputation, protecting the incision and avoiding disruption of the wound is key. Placing the patient in the prone position within the first 24 hours is generally avoided because turning onto the abdomen can put pressure on the surgical site and the dressing, potentially causing discomfort, bleeding, or wound disturbance. Once the incision has begun to heal and pain is managed, prone positioning can be used later to stretch the hip flexors and help prevent contractures. The other options don’t address this immediate postoperative protection as clearly: the colon resection example isn’t relevant to amputation positioning, and while elevating the legs or stump can contribute to contracture risk if done for too long, the critical immediate restriction on day one is avoiding prone.