Is Osseointegration Right for Me?

Traditional socket prostheses aren’t always a great option for limb loss because patients can experience discomfort leading to a negative impact on mobility and quality of life.

In the 1950s, professor Branemark discovered a new method of prostheses called osseointegration. Like dental implants, Osseointegration is based on the ability of human bone cells to attach to a metal surface. Osseointegrated implants have evolved over the past two decades into a promising alternative for patients experiencing substantial issues with socket prostheses.

Osseointegration is done in stages. In the first stage, a titanium implant with a porous coating is inserted into the marrow space of the bone of the residual limb. This will become integrated into the bone in the next month or two. In other words, it will become part of the bone.

In the second stage, which takes place six to eight weeks later, the creation of a circular skin opening (the stoma) is done at the base of the stump. Through this opening, the dual cone adaptor is connected to the internal stem, which is already integrated in the bone. The remaining components of the prosthesis can then be attached externally.

Partial weight-bearing and the fitting of the lower prosthesis can take place as early as a few days after the second surgery. This is done under careful supervision. The rehabilitation stage and gait training can then begin.

The following are some of the advantages of osseointegration:

  • Increased prosthetic use
  • Greater stability and control
  • Longer walking distances
  • Better sitting comfort
  • No need for stump volume control
  • Osseoperception
  • Quickly on and off

If you’re looking for a prosthetist who works with osseointegration, you’ve come to the right place. Allen Orthopedic Labs is just one of two offices in Northern California for prosthetic treatments of osseointegration patients. Contact us to learn more.

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