inMotion Magazine

Living Free 41 Pros and cons For people with limb loss, osseointegration provides two benefits: elimination of the socket and direct skeletal attachment. Eliminating the socket eliminates all of its challenges: pain, sweating, skin irritation, time to take it off and put it on, and all of the time and expense to manufacture and fit the socket. Direct skeletal attachment improves control of the limb, adds stability, increases range of motion, and may improve biomechanics. It also provides increased sensory input, known as “osseo-proprioception”, where the prosthesis “feels” more like part of the body. Although the science of osseointegration is rapidly evolving, there are still significant risks, including those of any major surgery, infection, bone- implant fracture and risk of skeletal fractures. High-impact or torque activities, such as running and jumping, are prohibited, as they may risk failure or shorten the lifespan of the implant. There is also considerable time required for rehabilitation after surgery compared to traditional prosthetic fitting. By Nikki Grace-Strader and Solon Rosenblatt, MD to the United States? Photo courtesy of osseointegrationaustralia .com.au. The OI is surgically inserted into the femur in the same way a knee or hip implant is inserted. An attachment exits the body to provide the interface between the femur and the exoskeletal prosthesis.