Today we would like to talk to you about osseointegrated prostheses:
People who have lost a member of the body are many more than we can think. According to the National Institute of Statistics, in Spain alone, there are more than 80,000 people who have suffered the amputation of a leg or an arm, mainly due to an accident or vascular pathology.
Fortunately, prostheses can make life much easier for these people, eliminating or reducing the barriers that appear with the amputation of a limb, especially if it is a lower limb.
And, within the different types of prostheses, today at Biovac we want to talk about osseointegrated prostheses, which are the most advanced and those that manage to replicate the natural movement of the leg in the most effective way, in addition to reducing the usual pain and problems that appear with conventional clothes.
What is osseointegration?
Before talking about the osseointegrated prosthesis, we must know what osseointegration is.
We could say that it consists of the direct fit of a metallic structure in a bone structure, managing to unite the titanium or Cobalt Chrome with the bone at a molecular level. The process is similar to a dental implant and, in fact, osseointegration arises from the dental field.
It is a modern surgical technique, that has advanced enormously in recent years, to the point that it manages to maintain proprioception of the stump, allowing the patient to recognize the surface they are walking on, with full recovery of function.
What is the difference between an osseointegrated prosthesis and a conventional prosthesis?
The main difference is that a osseointegrated prosthesis it’s integrated into the stump, instead of being attached to an external anchor, as is the case with conventional prostheses. Thus, the joint of the prosthesis is much more stable and offers a full range of movement of the joint.
As well as in osteoperception, a concept that refers to the connection between the implant and the brain. With this type of prosthesis, the patient, when walking, will know if he is stepping on the ground, and what type of ground he is stepping on.
On the other hand, being attached directly to the bone, osseointegrated prostheses do not cause any type of pain or discomfort, and the patient has the same sensation as if it were a part of their own body.
Conventional foot prosthesis after amputation. (Image: Freepik.es).
Osseointegration after knee replacement surgery. (Image: Vecteezy).
Main advantages of osseointegrated prostheses
An unquestionable advance for patients, below, we review the main advantages of osseointegrated prostheses:
- Osteoperception.
- Greater fixation.
- They allow to walk longer distances.
- They put an end to the pain and discomfort of conventional prostheses.
- They are easier to put on and take off.
- They offer a full range of motion of the joint.
- Sitting is much more comfortable.
For whom is osseointegration indicated?
Osseointegration prostheses are an excellent solution for patients who do not have the possibility of wearing a normal prosthesis because they are not suitable for conventional anchorage, as well as for those who present morphological problems of the stump.
It is estimated that around 60% of patients who have suffered a femoral amputation are in a position to wear an osseointegrated prosthesis.
At Biovac, with the aim of increasing the performance of this type of prosthesis, we carry out the coating of osseointegrated prostheses, choosing the most appropriate coating according to the client’s requirements, to meet their needs and exceed their expectations.
Contact us without commitment
Contact Biovac and ask us any questions you may have. We will be pleased to help you.
