Osseointegration Limb Replacement - HSS

01 Jul.,2024

 

Osseointegration Limb Replacement - HSS

The HSS Osseointegration Limb Replacement Center at Hospital for Special Surgery provides a major advance in amputation reconstruction surgery for amputees who have not tolerated or do not want to use a traditional prosthetic socket. The interdisciplinary team of amputation reconstruction specialists, upper- and lower-extremity surgeons are devoted to helping amputees improve their mobility and daily lives. Hospital for Special Surgery is continually ranked #1 orthopedic hospital in the United States, and HSS surgeons were the first in the United States to perform osseointegration limb replacement for people with transtibial amputations.

Are you interested in learning more about lower limb prosthesis for sale? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!

What is osseointegration?

Osseointegration is the scientific term for bone ingrowth into a metal implant. An artificial implant is permanently, surgically anchored and integrated into bone, which then grows into the implant.

Osseointegration is most commonly used in dental implants and joint replacement surgery. It has been very successful in these uses for decades.

What is osseointegration limb replacement?

In this surgery, a limb prosthesis is connected directly to the skeleton. The prosthesis is a custom-made, porous, coated titanium implant that is aligned with the bone of the residual limb. (Find a doctor at HSS who performs osseointegration limb replacement.)

HSS was the first hospital in the United States to use osseointegration to treat people with transtibial amputations (below the knee).

Osseointegration limb replacement surgery can be done in the following bones:

  • the femur (thighbone)
  • tibia (leg bone)
  • humerus (upper arm bone)
  • radius and ulna (forearm bones)

What are the advantages of osseointegration over traditional prosthetic limbs?

In general, this procedure:

  • improves mobility (control of the prosthetic leg)
  • improves

    proprioception

  • reduces nerve pain
  • eliminates common problems associated with sockets

Patients with an osseointegrated limb have better physical control over &#; and a more intimate, emotional connection to &#; their prosthetic leg or arm, compared to those using a traditional socket prosthesis. The direct skeletal connection between the prosthesis and the patient&#;s own natural bone provides superior stability, strength and energy transfer (in which muscle strength from the residual limb is diminished where it connects with the prosthesis).

In particular, patients who have an osseointegrated prosthetic limb have dramatically improved proprioception, called osseoperception. Touch vibrations to the implant (such as during impact with the ground while walking) can be transferred through to the person&#;s natural bone. This helps patients walk more smoothly, feel more stable and effectively transfer all of the strength of their residual limb to the prosthesis.

Video: Wounded warrior stands tall after bilateral osseointegration limb replacement

Bone-anchored prostheses have been shown to lead to better patient outcomes than standard, socket-based prostheses. An osseointegrated prosthetic limb reduces or eliminates common problems associated with sockets, including:

  • pinching
  • sweating
  • poor fit or need for frequent refitting
  • poor ability to control the prosthesis
  • lack of patient confidence due to mobility challenges
  • nerve pain
  • skin, irritation, sores and ulcers

In traditional prosthetic leg systems, there can be a poor fit between the residual limb and the socket. Many patients experience significant changes in the size and shape of their residual limb during the first 12 to 18 months after amputation surgery.

In addition, the angle at which the remaining leg bone rests inside the socket is frequently uneven with the prosthetic leg. This is called malalignment. Such awkward angles can cause balance problems and poor energy transfer. This can make it difficult for patients to move well and can even lead to falls and fractures.

Osseointegration procedural animations

Osseointegration limb replacement surgery for transfemoral amputation

Managing a tibia amputation with osseointegration reconstruction

 

Improved movement in the upper limbs

In patients with arm and hand prostheses, the large harness and socket that is often used in upper extremity prosthetics is eliminated. This enables the patient to actively use their body&#;s natural shoulder and elbow movement.

Osseointegrated arm implants are also compatible with myoelectric (bionic) prostheses. These allow muscle twitches in the residual arm to communicate with the arm prosthesis to allow patients to actively move their prosthetic elbow, wrist and hand. New technologies use pattern recognition algorithms to relay muscle movement signals in real time from the residual limb to the brain and then back to microcontrollers that control the movement of the bionic arm or hand. In some cases, targeted muscle reinnervation (TMR) is used to enhance the muscle signals.

Individual types of prosthetic limbs designed for different purposes, such as swimming or running, can be easily connected to and disconnected from the implant abutment using an Allen wrench (hex key) or quick-connect hardware.

Reduced nerve pain

Many amputees also experience nerve pain in the residual limb, which is caused by a neuroma. This is often described as &#;phantom&#; leg or arm pain. In most cases, wearing a socket prosthesis puts added pressure on the remaining limb, which worsens this nerve pain.

New surgical procedures to ease the pain associated with amputation neuromas can now also be performed together with osseointegration surgery. These include:

  • targeted muscle reinnervation (TMR)
  • regenerative peripheral nerve interface (RPNI) with free muscle graft

Who is a candidate for osseointegration limb replacement?

Osseintegration leg or arm replacment is especially helpful for amputees who are having a poor experience with their socket prosthesis.

The use of a socket is often especially difficult for patients whose residual limb is any of the following:

  • short
  • wide
  • scarred
  • painful


Before-and-after X-ray images showing malalignment between an above-the-knee amputation residual limb with a socket-based prosthesis (left); and an aligned, osseointegrated leg implant and connected prosthesis (right)

 

How is osseointegration limb replacement surgery done?

The process begins with front- and side-view X-rays and CT scans of the limb. These are taken to determine precise measurements for a custom-made implant built to fit inside the bone.

The implant is created and inserted into the residual limb bone and connected to a dual post, also known as a dual cone. The surgery to prepare and install the implant is done during a single hospital stay, rather than in separate surgeries. Surgeons also address any neuromas or problems with soft tissues and partner with plastic surgeons to perform soft-tissue contouring to enhance the benefits of limb replacement. This usually involves removing, lifting and tightening excess or loose soft tissue.

At HSS, we have assembled an interdisciplinary team of healthcare practitioners for osseointegration procedures. Each person plays an essential role in ensuring the best outcomes for the patient. The team includes:

  • surgeons, anesthesiologists and nurses
  • prosthetics professionals known as orthotists or prosthetists
  • physical and occupational therapists

What is the recovery time for osseointegration surgery?

The average hospital stay is three to four days. The growth of the bone into the implant takes about three months. Most patients can walk without crutches within about three months after surgery.

Osseointegrated leg implant recovery: The first days and weeks

On the day after surgery, a rubber footie is applied to the end of the abutment, and patients can gradually put weight on the new implant. This &#;loading&#; process begins with 20 pounds of loading for 10 to 15 minutes, four to six times per day. Patients then use crutches and work with an outpatient physical therapist over several weeks to gradually increase weight loading until the prosthetic leg is attached.

After four days, patients can start a daily shower and clean the stoma with soap and water. For the first few weeks, the surgical area will be wrapped in gauze to prevent infection.

The prosthetic leg is attached to the implant between 3 to 10 weeks after surgery, depending on bone quality. After this, patients continue to use crutches for another six weeks.

Video: HSS patient Jesse Levine demonstrates connecting and disconnecting his osseointegrated leg prosthesis

What are the risks of osseointegration?

The odds of experiencing risks are low, but they can include:

  • implant loosening
  • fracture
  • infection

Learn why HSS has exceptionally lower infection rates than many other hospitals.

To protect patients in case of a severe fall, the connection between the implant and the prosthesis has a fail-safe mechanism to protect the bone and implant. This is similar to ski bindings that automatically release during a fall.

How long does an osseointegrated prosthesis last?

The implant is expected to last for many years after successful osseointegration with the bone. Connection parts with the prosthetic may, over time, need to be changed by the prosthetist.

This procedure has been done in Sweden since , but is relatively new, so there is not a lot of long-term results available. Implant designs have improved in recent years, and we expect these to function well over decades.

The need for revision surgery is possible in cases of fracture, loosening or deep infection.

Osseointegration Limb Replacement

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Osseointegration Limb Replacement Success Stories

In the news

6 Advantages of an Above the Elbow Prosthesis

Prosthetic options for above the elbow can be complex at times. Georgia Prosthetics is here to help you sift through all of the research and options to help you determine the best options for you and your lifestyle.

In this blog post we are going to talk about several advantages of above the elbow prostheses. We will talk about several ways that this type of prosthetics can help with your everyday tasks. If you recently had an above elbow amputation, this blog post will definitely help you.

If you have questions while reading this post or after you&#;re finished reading it, please don&#;t hesitate to call us. We love helping our customers achieve the best results for the prosthetics that fit several different lifestyles.

And now we&#;ll start talking about upper limb prosthetics&#;

6 Advantages of Above the Elbow Prostheses

With a high-quality, fully functioning above the elbow prostheses, you can experience several advantages, such as:

1. Ease of motion

The ease of motion is very important, especially when it comes to completing daily tasks. You&#;ll find that flexing and bending the prosthetic arm will give you great benefits.

2. Ability to hold a certain amount of weight

Chances are, you&#;ll most likely want to hold some weight using your residual arm. This can be possible when you have a high-quality upper extremity prosthetic.

3. Perform daily tasks with ease and quickness

Depending on the type of prosthetic, hand, and socket used, you can have a fast, powerful prosthetic to meet your daily needs.

4. Natural arm movements

When an upper limb prosthetic is fully functioning and designed the right way, you most likely will not experience many restrictions when it comes to natural arm movements. You should definitely choose someone who is experienced with design and function of prosthetics&#;choose Georgia Prosthetics!

5. Reflexes

With a high-quality prosthetic system, you can still experience regular reflexes to aid in your daily life. You want a system that is designed to meet your lifestyle, though.

6. Comfortable fit

You can experience the advantage of a comfortable fit when the prosthetic is designed and fitted appropriately. Make sure you choose a prosthetic maker who can create a comfortable prosthesis.

Sockets are Very Important for Upper Extremity and Above the Elbow Prosthetics

The socket, which is the part of the device that attaches to the person&#;s residual limb, is critical for these types of prosthetics

upper limb prosthesis from Georgia Prosthetics

If you have a poorly-designed socket that is uncomfortable or not fully functional, you will be limited as to the benefits of other prosthetic components. Suspension is a term for the method of keeping the socket attached to the residual limb.

Prostheses for the upper extremities have to be suspended throughout the entire range of motion in order to tolerate daily activities.

Suspension can be achieved through a variety of ways.

  • Silicone liners can be used in combination with certain locking mechanisms. The liners can increase comfort and provide excellent suspension for the wearer.

  • The wearer can use an external suspension sleeve.

  • A harness system can be used in which the straps will hold the prosthesis to the body.

  • Suction is another method to achieve suspension.

  • We can contour the socket around the amputee&#;s remaining body anatomy (also known as self-suspending).

As an example: A custom, self-suspending socket can be fabricated with or without a flexible inner socket. This type of socket will provide a great fit and a strong connection to the electrodes that are often used to control the hand.

Two Types of Prosthetic Control for Upper-Extremity Prostheses

There are two types of prosthetic control when it comes to fully functioning prostheses for the upper extremities. The two types are:

1. Body-powered prostheses

With this type of prosthetic, you will need to take into account whether or not control cables and/or a harness are needed. These features must be taken into account during the fitting and design process.

Furthermore, the socket must be designed appropriately in order to transmit and capture body movements that will operate the prosthesis. Body-powered systems are usually easier to put on.

It is optional that wearers can use prosthetic socks (or a different liner) to use between the socket and the residual limb. This will allow for added comfort.

2. Myoelectric prostheses

With myoelectric prosthetics, there must be surface contact between the electrodes and the wearer&#;s skin. This is a must.

In order to work properly, the socket should be designed to stabilize the electrodes against the muscle belly, while at the same time allowing the muscle to contract comfortably within the socket.

For most myoelectric prosthetic sockets, the person&#;s skin comes into direct contact with the socket in order to be fully functional.

How to Care for Your Above the Elbow Prostheses

When you choose a quality prosthetic device, we highly recommend taking very good care of it. This will help ensure that it will last as long as possible.

What is the proper care for upper limb prosthetics and sockets?

  • Clean and inspect the socket on a daily basis.

  • Clean it using a mild antibacterial soap with water.

Georgia Prosthetics can answer any of your questions regarding a specific type or brand name of above the elbow prostheses.

Georgia Prosthetics Can Help With Your Prosthetics

Our professionals provide customized prosthetics for amputees. If you are interested in learning more about our services, visit our prosthetics services page here.

If you&#;d like to schedule an appointment with our professionals, just call our Atlanta, GA office!

In the meantime, we invite you to check out our customer testimonials (https://georgiaprosthetics.com/testimonials/) and learn more prosthetics-related information by visiting our blog.

We look forward to meeting you!

Posted by Georgia Prosthetics
Briarwood Ct NE, Atlanta, GA
: 404-873-

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