Just one, except in very complex cases where bone lengthening or alignment correction is required.

Osseointegration is possible with:

• Above knee amputation
• Below knee amputation
• Above elbow amputation
• Below elbow amputation
• Digital/Finger amputation

No case is too challenging, the team is experienced in dealing with extremely complex cases.

We have many individuals who seek our opinion as to whether an amputation is a treatment option for them. Please contact us for we are more than happy to help.

An easy answer is ‘no’ and the reasons are many. Every amputation is unique in what limb is amputated, the level of amputation, the cause of amputation, the time since amputation, the individual’s bone quality, the amount of muscle and soft tissue coverage and the integrity of the skin surrounding the residual stump. As a result, these factors are all taken into consideration when planning what options are available and therefore each surgery plan and costing is prescribed individually to each patient.

Please come along for an assessment, we do operate on people with diabetes.

No, it is not needed routinely.

Absolutely, patients can start swimming once the wound has healed (as assessed by the treating team). We recommend salt water pools and oceans as this will assist healing. After you swim, whether it is in salt water, chlorinated pools or rivers we suggest you rinse your limb after with soap and water, just like a regular shower.

We advise against high impact activities for the first 12 months following osseointegration surgery, to allow for healing and integration. This includes but is not limited to running, hopping, skipping and jumping. After 12 months we have patients choosing to partake in these activities with the knowledge that there is no long term data on high impact activity in this population. Other patients prefer not to take the risk, the choice is yours.

There are various types of external prosthetic componentry that is compatible with osseointegration. Deciding which one is like comparing a Toyota Yaris with a Lamborghini Aventador, each vehicle will get you from point A to point B but has different features. You will need to be assessed by a prosthetist prior to surgery to determine your needs and ensure postoperative safety and functionality are met.

Osseointegration is a surgical procedure that requires anaesthetic which in itself has risks.  These include but is not exclusive to the general concern of anaesthetics including cardiac complications, pulmonary complications, renal complications and death. There is a risk of bone fracture during implantation, this happens in approximately 10% of cases in Sydney. A fracture MAY slow your rehab down by a few weeks however in the long term outcomes are comparable.  There are risks of infection, in fact you are more than likely to have a soft tissue superficial infection in the first few weeks after surgery which is routinely treated with antibiotics.

Yes, it is possible to have the implant removed and to return back to a traditional socket mounted prosthesis.