OSSEOINTEGRATION – PROSTHETICS REDEFINED
Osseointegration allows for the direct attachment of an external prosthesis to an amputated limb through the surgical implantation of an intramedullary device.
It is a revolutionary technology for both upper and lower limb amputees, offering an alternate solution for patients experiencing problems with a traditional socket mounted prosthesis.
Osseointegration solutions are available for the treatment of amputations above the knee, below the knee and of the humeral side
For further information on Osseointegration, please visit
https://www.osseointegration.org/
HOW OSSEOINTEGRATION WORKS
This video shows how Osseointegration works!
The metal implant is inserted and becomes integrated with the bone in your stump.
This is followed by the management of the muscles and skin.
A small opening on the skin is created to connect the implant to your external prosthesis through a transcutaneous.
OSSEOINTEGRATION PROSTHETIC LIMB
Permedica Orthopaedics is the authorized manufacturer of the Osseointegration Prosthetic Limb System (OPL). The OPL system is made up of multiple components. The core implant is made of high tensile strength titanium with a highly porous titanium coating, providing both initial stability as well as long-term bone integration (in-growth). The unique properties of the titanium coating allows the bone to grow into the surface of the prosthesis, which makes the bone-implant structure one solid unit.
A dual cone adaptor component connects the internal implant to the external prosthesis. This extension features a highly polished surface coated with BIOLOY coating to minimize soft tissue friction. This component passes through a small opening on the skin called the stoma. Externally, the dual cone adaptor is fixed to a torque limiting safety device called the Connector. The Connector consists of a several components to allow users to quickly attach and detach the prosthesis while protecting the implant and the bone from excessive torsional forces.
There are several Connector options available, each with different features, yet all are compatible with prosthetic componentry commercially available in the market.
OSSEOPERCEPTION
Osseoperception describes the ability of patients with an osseointegrated prosthesis to identify sensory thresholds transmitted through their prostheses, and it is believed that this phenomenon contributes to the enhancement of the patients’ subjective sense of their prosthesis as part of their natural body.
Following Osseointegration surgery, the patient also regains their sense of proprioception, which is the unconscious perception of the position of the body, movement, and spatial orientation in relation to the external environment.
This means that patients can regain the ability to feel the ground beneath them as they walk and can differentiate between different surfaces such as grass, carpet, tile, uneven ground, and gravel. This directly translates towards safer and more confident movements, even in non-uniform terrains or in environments with dim light.
MAJOR ADVANTAGES
The real advantage of the OPL System is the completion of the treatment in a single surgical setting as opposed to the older two-stage process.
Other advantages of the OPL System over the traditional socket prostheses include:
- Absence of a socket ensures that the prosthesis fits comfortably and accurately
- Convenient and fast process of taking the prosthesis on and off
- Improved mobility and comfort compared to socket prosthesis
- Increased muscle use and resulting in a more natural walking gait.
- Enabling natural loading of the normal human anatomy
Most amputees describe living with an osseointegrated prosthesis as a revolutionary change in their lives with drastic functional changes and being able to sit comfortably, which contributes to a significant improvement in their quality of life.
IS MY AMPUTATION SUITABLE?
A lot of patients ask if the cause for amputation will limit their suitability for Osseointegration.
The majority of Osseointegration procedures performed to date have been performed on amputees who lost their limbs through trauma. The second biggest cause of amputation among our cohort is infection, commonly an infected joint replacement. Cancer is the third largest reason. However, we must ensure that the bony residuum has not been exposed to radiation therapy as this will affect the level Osseointegration that we are able to achieve.
