The K-Level system helps medical professionals determine what prosthetic components would be the best fit for a patient's prosthesis. There are 5 K-Levels, each described more in-depth below:
Level 0 (K0)
The patient does not have the ability or potential to move about or transfer safely with or without assistance and a prosthesis does not enhance their quality of life or mobility. This level does not justify a prescription for a prosthesis.
Level 1 (K1)
The patient has the ability or potential to use a prosthesis for transfers or walking on level surfaces at a fixed pace. This is typical of a person who only walks about in their own home.
Level 2 (K2)
The patient has the ability or potential for moving about with the ability to travel across low-level environmental barriers such as curbs, stairs, or uneven surfaces. This is typical of the limited community ambulator, or walker.
Level 3 (K3)
The patient has the ability or potential for walking at variable speeds. A person at level 3 is typically a community ambulator who also can travel across most environmental barriers and may have vocational, therapeutic, or exercise activity that demands prosthetic use beyond simple movement.
Level 4 (K4)
The patient has the ability or potential for prosthetic movement that exceeds basic ambulation skills, exhibiting high impact, stress, or energy levels. This is typical of the prosthetic demands of a child, active adult, or athlete.
Information obtained from amputee-coalition.org
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