Osseointegration surgery for lower limb amputees is not a new procedure. There has been experience with this technique within the UK since the 1990’s and overseas prior to this. Recently, a new wave of interest has formed with both non-military and military injured leg amputees regularly traveling abroad to undergo surgery.

 

The procedure involves insertion of a titanium implant into the bone, as a part of one or two stage surgery. A period of gradual and increased loading through the implant then takes place which can be as little as two to three weeks before the patient is able to walk without the need of a prosthetic socket. As a result, the unavoidable long term challenges associated with the use of a socket and pain free loading of the prosthesis, new levels of function can be achieved.

 

Pace patient Viktorija travelled to Australia during August 2014 to undergo osseointegration. She explains, “It’s been great to walk without the need of an above-the-knee socket. I feel that I now have the freedom to be able to do what I want rather than what my socket allows. For instance, long haul travel is now much more manageable and certainly less of a chore. I’m enjoying seeing more of the world.”

 

Typically, Osseointegration has been an option for above the knee amputees. However, there is now increasing experience overseas where below the knee and upper limb amputees are receiving this technique.

 

Previous concerns and reservations regarding infection, use in water and increased levels of impact are reducing with experience.  Nevertheless, good hygiene and care around the site where the abutment protrudes out of the body, remains important.

 

Faced with providing continual clinical prosthetic and physiotherapy support after surgery, clinicians at Pace Rehabilitation have actively sought out information overseas to assist in delivering high levels of clinical service closer to home. Members of the clinical team have travelled to Sweden, Germany and Australia to work and develop good relationships with surgical and rehabilitation teams. Often, travel has been accompanying a patient who is investigating osseointegration as an option they may wish to consider. This experience has been extremely valuable, providing the clinicians with a better understanding of the various techniques and connection options available.

Pace prosthetist Jamie Gillespie explains, “As patient interest grows and we work with an increasing number of osseointegrated patients, we realise that this technique will become a more established option available to those following limb loss. We will continue  to remain in the best position to provide support in the UK.”

 

Associate Professor Munjed Al Muderis, Orthopaedic Surgeon from Sydney, Australia  explains, “I am delighted with the recent interest from both amputees and professionals internationally in the Australian Osseointegration approach.” He continued, “We have had great success with British amputees and I’ve welcomed Pace’s direct involvement as awareness increases. I look forward to sharing my experiences during my presentation at their conference in June.”

 

Pace has produced an osseointegration and integrated limb prostheses guide, to provide information to interested parties.  Please click here to view the guide.