Its an innovative method allowing a direct connection of the artificial leg to the bone through a quick connection, which lets your artificial leg become a true extension of your body and mind, controlled by you.
Procedure
What is Osseointegration?
The surgical technique has created to accommodate a single or a two stage procedure using a completely indigenous implant design. This has resulted in improved soft tissue management, faster rehabilitation, earlier return to work and lower overall costs associated with the surgery.
Benefits
- Eliminate all socket problems
- Lower energy consumption
- Increase joint range of movement
- Allow more stability
- Restore proprioception
- Improvement in overall pain
How much does it cost?
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. The implants are indigenously manufactured with the best components from all over the world and finished in Europe and this helps reduce the overall costs of the implants.
Which amputees can be benefitted from it?
The surgery is the answer to problems of all amputees suffering from socket related problems, making them mobilise using a wheelchair or other walking aids, and taking time off from wearing the leg. The vast majority of our patients have undergone an amputation as a result of trauma, infection, and cancer. We are currently evaluated diabetics for the procedure as well.
How long does the surgery last?
The surgery is accomplished either in a single or two stages 6-8 weeks apart based on individual considerations.
How soon can the amputee walk?
The patients begin to walk as early as the second week after surgery or sooner if the surgery is done in two stages.
What factors need to be taken care off during prosthetic fitting?
Its an innovative but nascent technology and the knowledge of forces exerted on the bone are essential, and hence an intense training and know how about prosthetic design and fitment is needed. I personally supervise the same in cohesion with senior prosthetists.
Can they Swim/Cycle?
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.
What about High Impact activities?
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.
How does it feel to pioneer a new technique?
Result of 8 years of hard work and perseverance, its great to see my patients WALKING AGAIN be able to merge into the real world without anyone noticing they are an amputee.