Osseointegration

Osseointegration is defined as “the direct structural and functional connection of the human bone and the surface of a synthetic, often titanium-based implant.”

Osseointegration is a revolutionary technology for both upper and lower limb amputees, which offers an innovative solution for patients experiencing poor socket fit. Professor Munjed Al Muderis and The Osseointegration Group of Australia  (OGA) has performed over 1200 osseointegration procedures and trained numerous centres to operate with a high rate of success. By utilizing a cross functional team approach, we ensure that the patients receive the most objective and comprehensive assessment during the initial clinical consultation. The cross functional team works seamlessly together to assess and determine the best possible treatment for each patient.

The team provides this surgery for amputees using the OPL implant which is designed to be as close to the human anatomy as possible. For patients presenting with a high level of complexity, custom solutions are often deployed to match patient specific requirements.Socket mounted prostheses are the current standard of care and even though significant advances have been made in prosthetic technology there is still underlying limitations proper fitting, pressure points, sores, etc that limit rehabilitation and mobility. With Osseointegration, it is possible to achieve proprioception, greater mobility, improved gait, comfort and overall, a better quality of life.

Osseointegration naturally restores the original mechanical axis of the limb to pre-amputation conditions, allowing for correct anatomical alignment. This contrasts with the malposition of the residual limb tends to take inside a socket prosthesis. The malpositionleads to significant impairment in mobility and discomfort due to the poor fit and positioning of the stump within the socket, potentially causing deleterious outcomes on the hip and spine. An Osseointegration implant rigidly attaches to the limb with virtually no unwanted movement, minimising any friction on the soft tissue and provides the patient with a high degree of freedom and comfort. This technology has only become possible through extensive collaboration between clinicians and engineers; all aiming to help our amputee patients regain their freedom of movement, pain-free.

The surgical procedure is now performed in a single surgery by default unless a two-stage procedure is required. The bone canal is first prepared using specialised instruments. The implant is then tightly press-fitted into the canal to achieve primary stability. The surgery also involves extensive soft tissue management where redundant skin and soft tissue fat is removed to minimise the bone to skin distance. Additionally, muscle groups are reoriented to serve a functional purpose in the leg, with soft tissue facial layer carefully re-organised around the stem. Towards the end of the surgery, the residual limb is refashioned by means of a multi-layered closure, with the aim of improving its aesthetic appeal.

The surgeon will then create a circular skin opening (the stoma) at the base of the stump overlaying the tip of the implant. Through this opening, the dual cone adapter extends through the stoma, enabling the connection of components used to attach the desired prosthetic limbs. A rehabilitation period of 3-6 weeks begins immediately after the surgery. Partial weight- bearing and the fitting of a training prosthesis can take place only days after surgery, along with continued rehabilitation gait training.

The OGA team cares for their patients from both the emotional and physical aspects from the first meeting. Open communication is a vital key component to the success that the OGA has enjoyed today. Patients are encouraged to share their experiences with each other both in person and online via the “Osseointegration Peer Support Group” on Facebook.

For more information or to book a consultation to assess whether osseointegration is right for you please complete this enquiry form and the team will get in touch with you